Details of the all-new Suzuki Jimny (Gypsy in India) surfaced on the internet a few months ago. Now new spy photos showing the Jimny in production suggest Suzuki’s all-new off-roader is nearing launch. One photo shows the new Jimny’s body shell while the other shows the final product. It is possible the photos were clicked in the trial production phase.
The all-new Jimny was expected to make its global debut at the 2017 Tokyo motor show but it now seems the first public showing will be at a global motor show next year, possibly the 2018 Geneva motor show. The new Jimny will be true to its hardy off-road roots and will come built on a ladder- frame chassis and will be offered with four-wheel drive. Also, like the earlier Jimnys, the new model will have a small footprint which should give it excellent approach, departure and ramp break-over angles. So far, only a three-door hard-top version has been seen, but a larger five-door model and soft-top variants are expected as well. The new Jimny has a squared-out look and the block silhouette is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz G-class. Styling on the whole is simple and also borderline retro with round headlights and large angular windows.
Spy images from before, however, confirm that the Jimny's cabin won't be lacking in modern-day essentials. It will come with a touchscreen infotainment system as well as automatic climate control. There will be a lot of parts shared with other Suzukis on the inside.
Under the hood, the new Jimny will get a range of engines which could include a 660cc turbo-petrol, the 1.0-litre Boosterjet petrol and a 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol motor, but nothing is known as yet on a diesel option. There will be manual as well as automatic gearbox options.
The lithe and capable Jimny has a faithful fan following the world over who value its capability-to-cost ratio. In India too, the Gypsy is popular in off-roader circles and has been a trusty companion for the armed forces for over two decades now. While there is no confirmation from Maruti as yet, the all-new Jimny could just be headed to India as well.