C V Raman: 3-door Suzuki Jimny very niche, 5-door Suzuki Jimny doesn't make sense
The never-ending speculations about the fourth-gen Suzuki Jimny's Indian launch as the second-gen Maruti Gypsy finally seem to have concluded. Maruti Suzuki's Senior Executive Director (Engineering) C V Raman has once again ruled out the pint-sized off-roader for India, and this time he has left no loose end.
It was in July 2016 that rumours started floating on the web that the fourth-gen Suzuki Jimny is destined for India, and not just that, also that Suzuki's Gujarat plant will be its production hub. In March 2018, C V Raman said that this model has some potential "from a lifestyle perspective". However, in August the same year, he ruled out the launch reasoning low demand for such recreational vehicles.
This year, though, the fourth-gen Suzuki Jimny's Indian launch was back in the rumour mill. Last month, it was reported that this model will spawn the second-gen Maruti Gypsy for India, and coming from Nikkei, this development was taken very seriously. Just a few days later, a local publication reported that this will be a five-door model that would potentially achieve greater volumes.
Now, C V Raman has indicated that the fourth-gen Suzuki Jimny won't be launched in India, neither in the existing 3-door version nor in the rumoured 5-door version. Asked if this model is feasible for Maruti Suzuki in an interview recently, below is what he said:
"The three-door is a very niche segment in India. What is required for India is a five-door model. That means we have to do a new development, which would require time and cost. The possible volume against the required investment does not make sense for us."
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The global Suzuki Jimny sources its power from a differently tuned K15B 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which generates 75 kW (102 PS) of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 130 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic are the transmission choices. The Suzuki AllGrip Pro part-time 4x4 system with a low-range transfer gear is standard.
The Suzuki Jimny could have rivalled the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha in India.
[Source: Autocar Professional]