According to Nikkei, the 2018 Suzuki Jimny will go on sale in 2018 across the globe as Suzuki's strategic world model. This follows its reported world premiere at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show on October 25.
If the report pans out, it arrives exactly two decades later after the current Suzuki Jimny was introduced. The latter is manufactured at Suzuki's plant in Iwata, Japan. For the former, reports suggest that Suzuki's new facility in Gujarat will serve as the global production hub. There is a possibility of it being launched in India as a next-gem Gypsy as well, but there's no official word from local subsidiary Maruti-Suzuki. The Gujarat plant could work concurrently with the regional production plant in Japan.
From leaked renders, it appears that the new Jimny will continue to be a 3-door SUV only. Suzuki has taken the retro-futuristic styling path, infusing the characteristic boxy SUV lines with modern touches. Expect it to stand out from the sea of contemporary, curvaceous SUVs currently sold. There will also be a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, while the rear bumper houses the taillights. The car is based on a ladder frame to preserve its off-road capabilities.
Also Read: 2018 Suzuki Swift Sport showcased at IAA 2017
Under the hood, Suzuki could offer the 1.0 Boosterjet or 1.2 L Dualjet engines depending on the price segment of each market, along with a furthered version of the AllGrip 4×4 setup. A leaked image of the interior revealed that an automatic transmission option would be available for the first time.
[Source: Nikkei]
