C V Raman: 3-door Suzuki Jimny very niche, 5-door Suzuki Jimny doesn't make sense

12/09/2019 - 21:00 | ,  ,  ,   | Prashant Singh

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.

Suzuki Jimny Images Bims 2019 Side Profile
It was in July 2016 that rumours started floating on the web that the fourth-gen Suzuki Jimny is destined for India.

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."

Suzuki Jimny Images Bims 2019 Interior Dashboard
The Suzuki Jimny could have rivalled the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha in India.

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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]

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