Suzuki introduced the third generation Suzuki Jimny at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. Exactly two decades later, the company will unveil the fourth-gen Suzuki Jimny at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, which opens on Oct 25, says a report from Yahoo Japan.
The 2018 Suzuki Jimny's exterior and interior has already leaked. In its fourth generation, the Jimny keeps the affair utilitarian and basic. Its exterior design is an evolution. Circular headlamps still flank a 5-slot radiator grille, with separately housed turn signals on their outer sides. The restyled bumper is likely positioned higher-up, improving the approach angle.
From the sides, the all-new Suzuki Jimny looks more muscular due to the trapezoidal wheel arches. At the rear, the tail lamps are set in the bumper like in the Maruti Gypsy (second-gen Jimny). The spare wheel is still mounted on the tailgate. The no-frills off-roader will continue with a 3-door layout.
A leaked image of the interior has revealed that the 2018 Suzuki Jimny has shifted to a contemporary design. A newly designed steering wheel, the auto HVAC dials of the Swift, the Ignis' air vents, and a touchscreen infotainment system akin to the Smartplay unit improve look and ergonomics. The photo also confirms the availability of an automatic transmission, which could be a CVT.
Specifications of the 2018 Suzuki Jimny are unknown as of now, but early reports have shed light on that matter. With the lifecycle makeover, the Jimny won't switch to the HEARTECT modular platform. To preserve the robustness it is praised for, it will utilise a ladder-frame chassis. Like now, it will have the ALLGRIP PRO all-wheel drive system. Suzuki has a pool of potent small petrol engines for the 2018 Jimny, displacements ranging from 0.66- to 1.4-litre, naturally aspirated and turbocharged. To keep the cost lower, Suzuki may drop the idea of using a BOOSTERJET unit.
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A report last year said that Suzuki will make India the global production hub for the next-gen Suzuki Jimny, with Suzuki's Gujarat plant making the off-roading. However, with the Japanese sales launch scheduled around February 2018, it's clear that at least the home market will get the all-new Jimny from elsewhere. Perhaps the Iwata plant (Japan) will continue its production for the launch market of Japan.
[Source: Yahoo Japan]
