There were many rumors when the Suzuki Jimny launched in 2018 about a long-wheelbase version with five doors. According to the latest report by Autocar India, the project now has finally been green-lighted and the five-door Jimny will be launched in India in the near future.
According to details gleaned from an Indian dealer conference, the Jimny with five doors will be longer than its three-door counterpart. It also has a longer wheelbase of 300mm (11.8in) and five doors. As a result, the more practical Jimny will reportedly measure 3,850 mm (151.6 inches) long and come with a 2,550 mm (100.4 inches) wheelbase allowing for increased space for both the rear passengers and cargo.
In 2019, the first renderings for a five-door Jimny were published. A report was also issued about an upcoming production launch in 2020. The model has not been seen in public for a full year. A set of spy images showing the prototype of a long-wheelbase, camouflaged Jimny from 2021 is all we have.
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In 2022 the Jimny will turn four, so the five door variant of the Jimny could join the current three-door model. The bonnet will feature an enhanced version of the 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated petrol engine, infused with the 12V mild-hybrid tech found in other Suzuki models. As this vehicle is off-road focused, all-wheel drive will be standard.
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Maruti Suzuki has been producing left-hand drive Suzuki Jimnys in India, but they are not available for sale on Indian markets. However, the company will soon begin production of the right-hand drive Suzuki Jimny for international markets. The five-door version of the new Maruti Suzuki Hansalpur model is likely to be made at that factory in Gujarat. Competitors in the Indian market will include the Force Gurkha, and the Mahindra Thar although none of those models are offered with a five-door bodystyle.
As a reminder, in Europe, the Suzuki Jimny is only available as a two-seater LCV since last year in order to comply with the strict emission regulations.
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