Tuesday, December 27, 2011
By Manoj Kumawat
Maruti mini SUV concept, might be Suzuki Jimmy
Every year, prior to the commencement of any auto show a trending is sensed about which of the vehicle segment will be under hunt. The last time Delhi Auto Expo was dominated by hatchbacks, this year the space will be occupied by Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs). The eminent passenger carmaker Maruti Suzuki is also geared up to explore new horizons by showcasing its mini SUV in the concept form.
At the company’s website, in the upcoming attractions section one can find a front-grille that has similarities with Suzuki Jimny, a two-door mini-SUV that is serving Japan since ages, currently in the third generation. Hence, there are concrete reasons that company will unveil the Japanese counterpart’s product with the badge of Maruti at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo.
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It is to be mentioned here that Maruti Gypsy that was launched way back in late 1985 was also inspired by Suzuki Jimny. The only hindrance with the Maruti Gypsy was the lack of diesel engine, though it was an exceptional 4X4 vehicle. This time, Maruti will surely get this ‘Concept-Jimny’ with a 1.5L or 1.6L multi-jet diesel power-train that it had ordered Fiat to develop. The Maruti Jimny 4X4 with a frugal 1.6L multi-jet diesel engine will re-generate the excitement among the SUV fanatics.
The latest generation of Jimny was showcased in 1997 at Tokyo Motor Show after which, it saw the launch in Japan in 1998. As of now the company exports two variants of Suzuki Jimny, one in the form of soft-top canvas another with regular hard-top.
There are many automobile manufacturers that will walk-in to the Auto Expo with the intention to either launch a new SUV or the same in their concept form. Ford is expected to unveil Ford EcoSport, Mahindra to showcase its less than Rs 4 lakh mini-SUV along with French carmaker displaying Renault Duster.
