A 5-seater Maruti Suzuki Jimny development mule has been spotted on test overseas sporting a longer wheelbase than the 3-door model.
It is well known that the top carmaker of the country manufactures and exports the 3-door Jimny and has plans to put the 5-door model on sale in India by July next year.
Keeping in line with the development time frame, Maruti finalised the compact SUV’s plans and even sent out the request for quote (RFQ) to suppliers in January this year.
The elongated 3-door Jimny that was spotted testing in Europe, we reckon, will form the basis for the 5-door model, as it has the length to accommodate a pair of additional doors.
Suzuki can be expected to soon bolt on a couple of rear doors on the compact SUV and begin its full-fledged testing regime.
While the regular Jimny measures about 3.5 metres long, with a wheelbase of 2250 mm, the Maruti Jimny 5-seater is expected to have a length close to 4 metres and a 2500 mm wheelbase. The 210 mm ground clearance is expected to be retained though.
There are reports floating around that state the carmaker could offer a pickup version of the elongated Jimny in select markets. But, they seem to be unfounded as of now.
India will be the sole manufacturing base for the 5-door Jimny and in the subcontinent, it will be retailed through the Nexa outlets.
Powering the compact SUV would be a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that is good for a maximum of 103 HP and 138 Nm of peak torque. A 5-speed manual will be the mainstay, but an automatic will also be offered and the motor’s power will be sent to all 4 wheels.
