Confirmed: Maruti Suzuki Jimny 4x4 being considered for India launch
Maruti Suzuki has officially confirmed that it is evaluating the Suzuki Jimny for the Indian market. This came during a recent investor event where Maruti Suzuki's head of sales, Shanshak Srivastava, answered a query to this effect. The company, India's largest carmaker, showcased the fourth-gen Suzuki Jimny in India during the 2020 Auto Expo and say the response to the mini-offroader has been favourable enough to warrant further research on its viability for the Indian market.
The company also began exports of the Suzuki Jimny from India to supplement production at the Jimny's Kosai manufacturing hub in Japan in light of the SUV heavy global demand since its debut. The Jimnys built by Maruti Suzuki are to the same spec as those from Japan and will be exported to Latin America, Middle East and African markets. Srivastava also confirmed that the Jimny wouldn't be exported to Europe from India, with the frequent changes in regulations and tariffs there hampering its viability.
The export-spec Jimny is powered by the 1.5-litre K15B four-cylinder petrol. This is the same unit as seen on cars like the Ciaz, Vitara Brezza and Maruti Suzuki S-Cross and in the Jimny makes 102PS and 130 Nm. The two gearbox options are a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic.
The Jimny's legendary stature comes from its off-roading capability and that has remained intact with this generation too. This fourth-gen Jimny continues with a ladder frame construction, sat on live axles at both ends. There is the AllGrip Pro 4WD system with a low range transfer case as well as a brake-based limited-slip differential. A hill-hold and hill-descent function is also available. The Jimny has a 27-degree approach, 28-degree ramp breakover and 48-degree departure angle. Ground clearance is 210mm.
This development is still not confirmation that the Maruti Suzuki Jimny will actually be sold in India, given that this is expected to be a fairly niche offering by Maruti Suzuki's standards. Although first with local production and no feasibility studies being conducted, the chances for an Indian launch for the Jimny look quite strong.
Source: PTI