Maruti Suzuki has started trial production of the Jimny off-roader at its Gurugram based facility. The same production line was earlier used to produce the iconic Gypsy 4×4. The company has reportedly produced first 50 units of the 3-door Jimny. The company has imported the completely knocked down (CKD) kits from Japan and assembled at its Gurugram production plant.
The report also claims that the 3-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny will also be displayed at Nexa showrooms from January 2021. The company wants to gauge customer response for the new 3-door lifestyle SUV.
The success of the second generation Mahindra Thar could be the reason behind this move from MSIL. Maruti Suzuki is aiming to gauge the customer interest in the 3-door car. Depensing on the customers respone, the Indo-Japanese brand will take final decision on introducing the 3-door Jimny in India.
It is reported that Maruti Suzuki is readying the 5-door Jimny for India. The wheelbase and dimensions of the SUV will be drastically changed, which will require time. This will also delay the launch of the car. Previous reports suggest that the long-wheelbase model could be launched by 2023. It is expected to be introduced as the next-gen Gypsy.
The India-spec Maruti Jimny is likely to be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Vitara Brezza, Ciaz and the Ertiga. The vehicle is also expected to receive part-time four-wheel drive with low range. This engine is capable of producing 103bhp and 138Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic versions are likely to be on offer.
Source – Team-BHP
