Rumour: Next-gen Suzuki Jimny to be made in India

Media reports suggest that Suzuki is planning to make India the manufacturing hub for the next-gen Jimny. The new Jimny is likely to be launched before 2020, in markets such as Brazil, Indonesia and Europe. Since the Jimny is rumoured to be produced in India, it is possible that Maruti Suzuki will launch it in the domestic market as well.

The fourth-gen Jimny will reportedly be made on Suzuki's new, light weight platform that also underpins the Baleno hatchback. It will be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki's Gujarat plant, which is scheduled to start operations in early 2017. Reports further suggest that the new Jimny might be powered by the 1.0-litre BoosterJet petrol engine that develops around 110 BHP. A diesel engine will also be on offer.

The Jimny is currently in its third generation. It was originally launched in 1970 as the "Light Jeep" model named LJ10. The second-gen model was sold from 1981 to 1998. The Maruti Gypsy is essentially a long-wheelbase version of the second-gen Jimny. The third-gen (current) model has been around since 1998. As a result, the Japanese automaker will soon be introducing a comprehensively revised model of the popular compact off-roader.

In India, the Suzuki Jimny will be sold as a long wheelbase, four-door model. Moreover, Maruti might shed the Jimny moniker for the domestic market, and try to capitalize on the Gypsy brand name.

Source: Car And Bike