Next-Gen Jimny SUV Might Be Made In India

Japanese carmaker Suzuki, the parent company of Maruti-Suzuki may manufacture next-gen Jimny sub-compact SUV in India and consequently sell the SUV in the country as well

The third-generation Jimny has been on sale since 1998 and Suzuki's European dealers are pressurising the company for a replacement for the 18-year old compact SUV and due to healthy demand, Suzuki is looking to oblige them.

NDTV claims that the next-gen Jimny will be manufactured at Suzuki's plant in Gujarat which is expected to start producing vehicles in 2017. The Jimny will be exported to Europe along with South East Asia, Brazil and Suzuki's home base in Japan.

The new Jimny is expected to share the same platform as the Baleno/Ignis hatchbacks and will feature four-wheel drive as standard.

Under the hood, the Jimny will feature the Boosterjet 1.0-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, that will first be seen in India in the Baleno RS. A more powerful 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine could also be on the cards along with a new automatic gearbox. Both engines will be BSVI compliant.

The Jimny however, could lose its name when it does make its way onto Indian roads as Suzuki could use the Samurai name or even revive the iconic 'Gypsy' name the new SUV.