A review of the Gypsy Regular Hard Top

[Jaggu]

its a lovely vehicle and i dont completely agree to the slim tyres part, had some nice offroad tyres in 205 size and they really rocked on and off road.

[shankar.balan]

off road all terrain tyres are fine yes. but in the estates, in conditions of extreme slush and mud, a narrower footprint definitely helps in not getting deeply bogged down.
thats my own first hand experience.

Originally Posted by Jaggu

its a lovely vehicle and i dont completely agree to the slim tyres part, had some nice offroad tyres in 205 size and they really rocked on and off road.

[khan_sultan]

Here's my recipe for the Gypsy's revival:

- Shorten the wheelbase/length of the Gypsy to under 4m. Currently it is 4010mm, so technically speaking if they reduce the length by > 10mm, the Gypsy will get small car excise benefits. (I presume this was done for the ford fusion also, whose length was reduced)

- Plonk the Swift diesel into it.

- Make the interiors a bit ok..

- Take a lesson or two from Mahindra scorpio on how to go about improve the ride/suspension part

- make it available in various models, city [with A/C etc], Jungle [open top etc..] etc..

There you have it. All this should be available at < 6L OTR and you have a winner..

Wonder when the MUL folks will wake up. I am sure huge number of people would want to own a gypsy if the above options were available

[shankar.balan]

great set of suggestions by Mr Khan:

i for one would love to buy a gyp again if these things could be done!

however i do have a doubt - whether they will be able to manage the Gyp to continue having 4WD with the Swift DDIS engine or not

And yes the variants could be as follows:
1. City Jeep - fibre hardtop with 4 forward facing seats with AC/ Santro type PS or the Swift EPS - this can even be used as a mini ambulance or utility type.
2. Country estate type jeep with Soft Top (of better quality though than the current type) and 4 forward facing seats but still with Santro PS or Swift EPS
3. Open Top (Jungle type) with rear bench seats with roll cage with Santro PS or Swift EPS - this can even be used for Airports and other applications.
4. City plus Jungle/ Photojournalist model with Hardtop and 4 forward facing seats (removable) with Electric Sunroof/ Hatch , AC, Santro type PS or Swift EPS
5. Semi Double Cab type could also be considered in this vehicle with a little open deck space at the back for carrying small loads.

All models with 4WD and the diesel powerplant!
If they change the suspension to something a little more modern, it will definitely help a lot, because in its current avatar it is viciously bumpy to drive. They could use their knowledge base on suspension systems from their own Suzuki Vitara and Suzuki Jimmy/ Jimny or even the SX4 if they wish.

And they would need to make the In Dash space a little better, upgrade all the control switches etc and add a console type of thing between the two front seats with plenty of little niches and other storage spaces - that would help a lot.

Wouldnt this be absolutely lovely? But then, if wishes were horses then beggars would ride.....

Originally Posted by khan_sultan

Here's my recipe for the Gypsy's revival:

- Shorten the wheelbase/length of the Gypsy to under 4m. Currently it is 4010mm, so technically speaking if they reduce the length by > 10mm, the Gypsy will get small car excise benefits. (I presume this was done for the ford fusion also, whose length was reduced)

- Plonk the Swift diesel into it.

- Make the interiors a bit ok..

- Take a lesson or two from Mahindra scorpio on how to go about improve the ride/suspension part

- make it available in various models, city [with A/C etc], Jungle [open top etc..] etc..

There you have it. All this should be available at < 6L OTR and you have a winner..

Wonder when the MUL folks will wake up. I am sure huge number of people would want to own a gypsy if the above options were available

[m-hawk]

What exactly is the technical issue about having a 4WD with a diesel engine ??
Why shankar do you doubt that even Maruti will not be able to connect it to it s 4WD with a diesel engine ??

[dwaraka]

Shankar Balan,

If all the changes mentioned by you are made on Gypsy, it looses it's identity. Like, you won't call scorpio a jeep, because it is made for on road too much. Even 4 X 4 WD Scorpio can't perform as of its older brother jeep.

Grand Vitara, a gypsy variant with lots of extras, they can't possibly do extreme off roadings like that of Gypsy.

Gypsy is a good off roader and on- roader. toss a bag of sand at the back, you will have more comfortalble ride. 4WDs are monsters and let them have their place.

I too have a gypsy of 1995 make 1000 cc. If you are looking for comfort and luxury, gypsy is not for you. There is a pride in owning one. I hope Gypsy owners here will vouch for me including Khan.Sultan

Dwarak

[shankar.balan]

i dont agree with you at all in your sweeping statements dwaraka- sorry.

I ve owned a couple of gypsies in the past as you no doubt have read in this thread, considering I started the review in the first place.

And I have in the past used a couple of sacks of rice to reduce the bouncy ride - several times up and down Madras Bangalore Ooty stretch - it does help a bit, no doubt.

all i was suggesting is how to make it a more saleable, user friendly vehicle, which will essentially contain the same DNA as the dear old Gyp and continue to be as light as it is and as capable of what it is best at - off road work.

after all the major changes required are only the Diesel powered motor and a set of reasonable adaptations (for versatility in useage patterns) and upgradations in terms of quality.

A brand or product does not have to lose its DNA, genetic makeup, character and identity while evolving into a newer, better quality, better finished, updated avatar which is more suitable to current market needs and of course in the company/ brand's interests in terms of sales.

Quite bluntly I dont think I would be incorrect in saying that the situation for Gypsy as of now is adapt or perish.

Originally Posted by dwaraka

Shankar Balan,

If all the changes mentioned by you are made on Gypsy, it looses it's identity. Like, you won't call scorpio a jeep, because it is made for on road too much. Even 4 X 4 WD Scorpio can't perform as of its older brother jeep.

Grand Vitara, a gypsy variant with lots of extras, they can't possibly do extreme off roadings like that of Gypsy.

Gypsy is a good off roader and on- roader. toss a bag of sand at the back, you will have more comfortalble ride. 4WDs are monsters and let them have their place.

I too have a gypsy of 1995 make 1000 cc. If you are looking for comfort and luxury, gypsy is not for you. There is a pride in owning one. I hope Gypsy owners here will vouch for me including Khan.Sultan

Dwarak

[headers]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Quite bluntly I dont think I would be incorrect in saying that the situation for Gypsy as of now is adapt or perish.

Hi, Its always nice to be talking mods especially on a gypsy. I've shared the same ideas too, and have seen a few [badly] modded diesel gypsies with the toyota diesel and isuzu diesel engines.

The character of the vehicle was lost, starting from the smoothness to the way the vehicle moves..

And frankly i doubt maruti will bring in a diesel gypsy especially with the DDIS engine.

AFAIK, The DDIS engine is the reason for the long waiting period of the Swift D in the first place.

But its good to dream..and i'm sure one of us will have a dream diesel powered gypsy!

And the Gypsy has already perished IMO. Thats why you ought to book the vehicle and wait for it for a long time in this day and age!

[shankar.balan]

sorry for the late reply
my doubt arose from this experience:
in 98 when I had my first gypsy i d asked the garage chaps (who used to do rally car modifications etc) about how feasible it would be to fit a toyota/ isuzu 1.5litre diesel into my gypsy - just for the info and knowledge.
they all said yes, but that they would have to knock off my 4wd and that the gyp would become a 2wd vehicle
now im not a qualified expert and I am carrying this impression for the last 10 years for some reason
of course, what i was asking about was an after market mod job, but i am pretty sure that maruti can find a solution to having a 4wd diesel gyp, if they so wish.
if someone can shed light on this impression of mine, created by those mechanics, I would be much obliged.

Originally Posted by m-hawk

What exactly is the technical issue about having a 4WD with a diesel engine ??
Why shankar do you doubt that even Maruti will not be able to connect it to it s 4WD with a diesel engine ??

[GTO]

Shankar

Don't mess with an aftermarket engine swap job on a 4x4...you will lose your 4x4 in all probability. There may be some transfer cases that fit, but its a nuisance. Its best to keep the Gypsy stock.

[shankar.balan]

thanks for the input
appreciate the clarifications

cheers

Originally Posted by GTO

Shankar

Don't mess with an aftermarket engine swap job on a 4x4...you will lose your 4x4 in all probability. There may be some transfer cases that fit, but its a nuisance. Its best to keep the Gypsy stock.