Ladies and gentlemen, this is the much awaited fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny (Maruti Suzuki Gypsy in India). The leaked catalogue images of the off-roader have surfaced on the internet ahead of its official debut. The tiny 4x4 off-roader now looks more modern with better technologies and is also more capable than before and will come with a host of customization options.
Appearance wise, the new Jimny looks drastically different and upmarket than the current car. The square-ish body with a solid ladder-on-frame construction lends the new Jimny its distinctive appeal. There are no overhangs whatsoever on the puny off-roader, providing the vehicle with a compact footprint. The circular headlamps, upright grille, flat roofline and flared wheel arches further accentuate the prototype's impersonation of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. The retro styling with elements like bumper mounted tail lamps and tailgate-mounted spare wheel also add to the appeal of the new off-roader.
For the first time, we get a view of the Jimny’s interior. The overall layout is simple, with hard-touch plastic material used all around the cabin. The centre touchscreen is scrounged from other Suzukis while the gear lever, the knobs and the flat-bottom steering wheel is borrowed right from Suzuki’s part bin. We expect the puny SUV to come loaded with climate control, better seats, airbags and other modern techs.
The new Jimny is speculated to measure 3.67m in length and have a width of 1.60m. It will come with its standard AWD layout and a low-range gearbox. According to reports, the new gen Jimny will adopt a 1.2-litre petrol motor with 92bhp and the 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine on its debut. A hybrid variant is also rumoured to join the gasoline engine options. It could even carry forward the 1.3-litre four-cylinder VVT petrol motor from the current car. Transmission option would be a manual but expect an automatic unit as well.
The all-new Jimny is expected to be revealed sometime in 2018 with sales kick-starting in Japan first. However, we expect the capable off-roader to make its way to the Indian shores as well, given that the Gypsy had a successful run in its lifespan in the country, even serving the Indian armed forces. Also for the fact that SUVs are in high demand these days and anything with a raised ride-height will sell like hotcakes in the country.
