2018 Suzuki Jimny (Gypsy replacement) spied uncamouflaged; Maruti to build & sell SUV in India

The all-new Suzuki Jimny has been spied without camouflage. The SUV seems to be on the factory floor, indicating that trial production may have already started. The fourth generation Jimny is set to replace the Maruti Gypsy in India. The SUV will soon be unveiled by Suzuki. Even Maruti may showcase it at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo that will happen in February next year. An important thing to note is that the all-new Jimny will be built at Maruti’s new Sanand factory in Gujarat. India is expected to be a global production hub for this SUV.

In terms of looks, the Jimny has square lines all around, and looks like a baby Mercedes G-Class. It is expected to be offered only in a hard top trim though. The 1.2 liter K-Series petrol and 1 liter Boosterjet turbocharged petrol engines are likely to be the two engine options. A five speed manual gearbox is also likely.

Suzuki AllGrip all wheel drive system will be offered on this SUV. A diesel engine is not likely though. However, an automatic transmission may also be offered on this off roader, which will be Suzuki’s lowest priced ‘proper’ SUV. Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch this vehicle in India sometime in 2019.

By then, the Gypsy’s production is expected to come to an end. The Gypsy is India’s longest serving off roader. First introduced in Japan as the Suzuki Samurai, it was rebranded as the Gypsy for India, and was launched here way back in December 1985. The vehicle has been around for 32 years, and is expected to be made for another year.

Maruti dealers are still taking orders for the Gypsy. However, buyers need to pay the full price at the time of booking. Only then will Maruti build, and deliver it. The Gypsy cannot be bought off-the-shelf. The all-new Jimny, on the other hand, is expected to be like any other Maruti car, with bookings to be regularly taken by all dealerships. A sub-4 meter SUV, prices of the Jimny are expected to begin well below Rs. 10 lakhs.

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