Suzuki Jimny Exports Begin From India, But What About An India Launch?

• First lot of exports to Peru and Columbia underway.
• India is one of the production hubs of the 3-door Jimny.
• The 5-door Jimny to be more practical, with an extra set of doors
• We expect it to be launched by the end of this year or early-2022.

Maruti Suzuki India has begun exporting the Jimny to Peru and Columbia. The first lot, consisting of 184 units, is the 3-door version that will be offered in the Middle East and Africa as well. However, this variant won’t be introduced in India. Instead, Maruti Suzuki will offer an extended 5-door version of the Jimny in India, which is expected to go on sale by the end of this year or early-2022. 

Besides Japan, the Gurugram plant (where the Gypsy was manufactured) is Maruti Suzuki’s second production hub for the 3-door Jimny. It’s a pity that we don’t get the 3-door variant, despite being manufactured in India. That said, the 5-door counterpart is expected to be more practical, thanks to the added length and an extra pair of doors.  

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny will be offered with the 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that generates 105PS and 138Nm. This is the same engine that powers the Ertiga and the Ciaz, the only difference being it is an all-wheel drive in the Jimny. It can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic. The BS6-compliant 1.5-litre diesel engine, set to make a comeback soon, could be offered here as well.  

More details about the India-spec Maruti Suzuki Jimny will be revealed as we inch closer to its launch. We expect prices to start around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The all-new SUV will lock horns with the Mahindra Thar and the upcoming Force Gurkha.