[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by Maky

So that's 500Kgs worth of 'Army Equipment' carrying ability? not Dry weight?

The old M800 used to weigh 650kgs. So Its impossible for the Gypsy to have a weight of 500kgs unless you are doing the weighing on some other planet.

[howler]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Gypsy weighs ~1000kgs. I think Army meant loading capacity. i.e GVW-Kerb Weight

GVW and payload are different IMO,, reference here of 500 kgs is to payload

[SwapnilNalavade]

There have been talks doing rounds about Discontinuation of Gypsy, due to the change in requirements of Indian Army for a General Service Vehicle. Also there have been discussions on viability of a Gypsy Diesel due to End User Cost resulting from plonking in a 1.3 DDiS Engine plus development cost for a 4x4 Transfer Case.


My perspective to the whole scenario is a bit different. As most of us are already aware Maruti Suzuki is foraying into the Commercial Vehicle Business. Commercial Industry as on date is dominated largely by Mahindra & Tata with their Bolero Pick Up’s & Tata Ace. As of now Mahindra has around 55 % Market Share in the Large Pick Up Segment (Comprising of Bolero Pick Up, Bolero Maxi Truck, Mahindra Genio, Tata 207, Tata Xenon, Tata Super Ace, Ashok Leyland Dost, Force Trump 40, etc.) To make a dent in this Fast Growing Industry Maruti has a Winning Product in its hands (Read : Always Had).



The Gypsy has been sold across the Globe in its Pick Up avatar, also Suzuki has been selling their mini-trucks in our neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.



Maruti entering the Segment with a Pick up version of the Gypsy Powered by a 90 HP, 1.3 DDiS Engine with availability in BS4, coupled with Maruti’s Nationwide Sales & Service Network could easily give the Bolero Pick Up's & Tata Xenon’s a run for their money. Considering the volumes in the Load Carrying Industry the development cost would be totally justified. Adding to that every Diesel Gypsy(in its current avatar) sold to a Civilian/ BSF/ Police/ Government Departments, etc would be a bonus. Hence discontinuation of Gypsy would be rather bleak.

Below are a few of our daily commuters from Suzuki in their Pick Up avatar.




Just hope Maruti gives the capabilities as well as future applications of the Gypsy a serious thought before just pulling it off the assembly line.

NOTE : The Above Post is just my imagination gone wild, there is no Confirmed news from Maruti about Gypsy being a part of its Commercial Vehicle Line up But there are reports of Maruti Eyeing the LCV Space. http://articles.economictimes.indiat...uti-suzuki-lcv

[shankar.balan]

One of the reasons that the Gypsy was the preferred vehicle for the armed forces was that it was a petrol and almost noiseless. Petrol also has a lower freezing point than diesel which is one of the reasons why the army prefers petrol vehicles.

This noiselessness and low freezing point coupled with the Gypsy's lightweight, go anywhere characteristics meant a perfect vehicle to ferry troops about and a host of other utilities.

Its a fantastic iconic vehicle but sadly, since it was never upgraded by the manufacturer, it is really antediluvian in todays context in terms of creature comforts, safety aspects and so on. A good vehicle to buy and use inside one's plantation or possibly in a wildlife safari camp or something of that sort, but it will no longer 'cut it' amongst those who are seeking a standard daily driver road going vehicle unless they have seriously masochistic inclinations...

[apachelongbow]

How much would it cost for Maruti to plonk the 1.3 MJD, get output of 90bhp or about, put in a power steering, HVAC and power windows? If priced competitively and below the Thar, Maruti could seriously upset the Mahindra apple cart and sell upwards of 1000 cars a month. There is a ready market for such a Gypsy and it is an iconic car for most 4x4 enthusiasts.

[Tushar]

Maruti Suzuki has bagged an order for 4000 units of the Gypsy SUV from the Indian Army. While the Gypsy has a very selective buyer base in the passenger vehicle market, the army has been a major consumer for the SUV.

Link to Team-BHP news article

[jessie007]

Originally Posted by romeomidhun

I think only vehicles costing 15L+ will have these features as of now.

XUV
Endeavour
Fortuner
...

Keeping price in mind, Tata's Xenon & Mahindra's Getaway are ideal candidates. Though, Tata's (Sumo) Grande (now Movus) can also fit the bill, if it is fitted with airbags & ABS (& 4WD). It is a hard top with 5 doors and HVAC, Power Windows, Central Locking & Bucket seats. The middle version i believe will meet all criteria and even after adding safety features can be priced below Rs 10 lakhs. Last row can be with or without jump seats. Max permissible weight on rear axle is 1600 kgs.

The relatively short wheelbase gives it decent off-road capability (though it doesn't have a 4WD option). Plus the Approach & Departure angles are decent and meet the stipulation. Gradability at Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is 38%. The biggest bugbear though is the weight, which will result in the vehicle getting bogged down in harsh off-road conditions.

Some screenshots of Grande's owner's manual:

[spyder_p8]

I thought the Indian Army would move on and select a more modern vehicle.
This is already out of Maruti's R&D. Wont Tata/Mahindra provide a better option. Given that Mahindra has a tie up with BAE systems i think they could provided a more military grade vehicle.

[romeomidhun]

Watching republic day parade. Gypsy in all its glory is seen there in the military green colour. Lean, keen, wild, ruff and tough.