There is barely anyone who has been around cars in India and whose life has not been touched by the Gypsy - the all-purpose vehicle deployed on the frontiers, by the armed forces and law enforcement across the country and also by the enthusiasts and has been the staple of Indian motorsport for many decades. We all remember its go-anywhere capability, its back-breaking ride when unladen, especially at the rear, the longitudinally placed bench seats and its macho appeal.
That was a derivative of the 2nd generation Jimny in its long wheelbase avatar when it was first launched in the middle of the 80s.
It had since then continued its own parallel development along with some changes to the track (for stability) and multiple changes to the engine (for emissions) to arrive at the MG413W when it was finally discontinued over five years back.
In the meantime, the Jimny moved on to its third and subsequently fourth generation avatars in global markets with India being one of the production hubs for the fourth-gen three-door little off-roader. Maruti Suzuki has modified the Jimny for its launch in India, adding 340mm to the wheelbase, putting in two extra doors for the second row of seating and with no change made to overhangs thus the length also increases by 340mm and the five-door Jimny also thereby gets a larger boot. Till the B-pillars, the "Indian" five-door Jimny is exactly the same as the three-door version. And despite the added length the five-door Jimny is still just 3985mm long including the spare wheel and its cover which is housed on the back door.
Compared to the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, it is still 25mm shorter and lower as well. However the Jimny is just over 10mm broader than the Gypsy. However it is both narrower and shorter (though by just 10mm if one also includes the spare wheel with its cover) than the other sub-4m SUV that Maruti Suzuki has in its portfolio - the Brezza.
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Auto Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2023 edition of Auto Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
50 Shades Of Touring
Building on the core of an already capable iX the xDrive50 brings performance and touring range to BMW's flagship electric SUV
Mercedes EQS SUV To Arrive Later This Year
MERCEDES-BENZ INDIA has big plans for 2024. After achieving its highest-ever sales in 2023, the luxury carmaker has grand plans to introduce 12 new models this year including three electric vehicles and most importantly, the EQS SUV.
A HERO'S TALE: MAVRICK IN THE MAKING
Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer is now stepping into the world of premium motorcycles and creating waves already
Hero Vida V1 Plus reintroduced in India
HERO MOTOCORP has relaunched the V1 Plus variant of the company’s electric scooter.
Geneva returns to the motor show calendar
The Geneva International Motor Show Is back to Switzerland and Anagh Bhaskar brings you the highlights
Winds of change
Join us on a 10,000km journey with the Mahindra XUV700 across the country as Dipayan Dutta and Dhruv Saxena share stories of extraordinary women who have gone against the grain to fight for what they believe in
Jaw(a)line Adjustment
Can the significantly updated Jawa finally come out as a real contender in the heavily contested 350cc motorcycle space? We took it out for a spin recently to find out
BYD Seal arrives in India
This is the third product from the Chinese automaker, the first two being the Atto 3 electric SUV and eé electric MPV. Abhinav Jakhar takes a closer look at the Seal
The emperor's new clothes
Hyundai has launched the Creta in N Line guise. So what does it offer and why you should get one? We find out
MG Motor's fresh aspirations
The joint venture between MG Motor India and JSW Group has been a long time coming, but it's finally here. SAlC-owned MG has laid out a plan for the future. Abhinav Jakhar brings you all the details