Suzuki had showcased the Jimny mini off-roader at the 2020 Auto Expo to gauge visitor’s response. Maruti Suzuki believes that the 3-door Jimny won’t make sense for the Indian market; however, reports claiming a 5-door variant will arrive by July 2022. A fully camouflaged long-wheelbase version of the Suzuki Jimny has been caught testing in Europe.
The spy images suggest that the Suzuki Jimny LWB will measure around 4 meters in length. This could be the same model that will be launched in our market. The rear seats of the regular Jimny aren’t enough for adult occupants. With rear bench, the SUV offers a boot of 85-litres that is not usable. With LWB version, Suzuki will aim to address this issue.
The spotted model doesn’t have an extra set of doors; however, a five-door variant is most likely to be under development. European media reports that Suzuki could also offer a pick-up variant of the LWB Jimny in select international markets. The Suzuki Jimny LWB is likely to offer forward facing third row of seats, which will make it a 5-seater SUV.
Previous media reports claim that the new 5-door version of the Suzuki Jimny will be developed for the Indian markets. Codenamed YMD, the new SUV will be positioned against the Mahindra Thar. it is reported that drawings of the new model have already been finalized. In fact, requests for quotations (RFQs) will be submitted to domestic suppliers within January 2021.
The new model could be re-branded as the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy in our market. It is likely to be based on the Jimny Sierra, which measures 3,550mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,730mm in height, and has a ground clearance of 210mm. It has a wheelbase of 2,250mm. The 5-door model is expected to measure around 3.9 meters in length, and the wheelbase is likely to be increased by 200-250mm to 2,500mm.
The Suzuki Jimny LWB will receive the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that churns out 103bhp of power and 138Nm of torque. A four-wheel-drive system is expected to come as standard. Both manual and automatic gearbox options are likely to be on offer.
