Suzuki iM-4 Concept displayed at the Geneva Motor Show will turn into the next-generation Jimny which shall be launched in 2016.
Geneva Motor Show has been a platform where many car manufacturers display concept vehicles as well as launch new cars. The concepts displayed are usually to draw crowd’s attention and most of them never see the light of the day. But, some of these do turn into production models albeit with some changes. Suzuki displayed the iM-4 concept at the show and news is that the next-generation Jimny will be based on it and that the launch will happen as early as 2016.
Presently, Suzuki sells the Jimny in a few countries and it is available in a two-door variant only. Short wheelbase, high ground clearance and a part-time 4WD system make it a perfect off-roader for those on a budget. It is currently available with two different petrol engines both of which are 1.3-litre units. One of them makes 80 BHP of power and the other makes 83 BHP of power. The next-generation Jimny will however come with a 1.2-litre petrol unit which is a mild hybrid unit. It comes with a part-time 4WD setup currently and the new model would feature a more advanced 4WD system.
The current Jimny is based on the same platform as the Gypsy sold in India but is a bit more suitable for families due to presence of some creature comforts. However, Maruti Suzuki never thought about launching the Jimny in India due to a few reasons. Two doors and only a petrol engine would have ensured very low sales of the off-roader. But, the next-generation Jimny will most likely get four doors which makes it suitable for India and since petrol prices have fallen down, people have started preferring petrol cars once again. We hope Maruti launches the Jimny in India so that the off-roading junkies get a potent urban off-roader at an affordable price.
Source – CarAndVanNews.com
