Next-gen Suzuki Jimny to be made-in-India - Report

23/07/2016 - 12:26 Suzuki Jimny, Maruti Suzuki Aravind Jayachandran

Reported to be based on the Baleno's lightweight platform.

Car and Bike reports that Suzuki will make India the production hub for the next generation Suzuki Jimny. It could be launched in markets like Brazil, Indonesia and Europe before the end of the decade.

Suzuki Jimny Ranger special edition front three quarter right at IAA 2015 — The Jimny could be launched in markets like Brazil, Indonesia and Europe before the end of the decade.

Suzuki's tough-as-teeth SUV will be based on the Maruti Baleno's lightweight platform, offering significant weight savings that could be beneficial when traversing mucky terrain. It will continue to offer the characteristic 4x4 drivetrain, but could be powered by the 112 PS 1.0L Boosterjet engine from the export-spec Maruti Baleno.

Given that a 3-door mini SUV is a niche in the Indian market, Maruti is likely to introduce the Jimny as an extended, 4-door version in India, should the manufacturer consider a launch. As the Jimny name would be new to regular car buyers, Maruti could consider launching it as a long-time successor to the iconic Gypsy to garner attention. Like the Maruti Vitara Brezza, it can be sold as a sub-4m SUV, competing against the likes of the Mahindra TUV300.

Suzuki Jimny Ranger special edition rear three quarter right at IAA 2015 — Given that a 3-door mini SUV is a niche in the Indian market, Maruti is likely to introduce the Jimny as an extended, 4-door version in India.

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The Jimny will be manufactured at Maruti's new plant in Gujarat, which will commence operations in 2017. The first car to be produced will be the Maruti Baleno, followed by the next gen Suzuki Swift Dzire reportedly.

[Source: Car and Bike]