Maruti has sent a tingle through the market, with an expected new launch in the entry-level SUV segment. We've got to be honest, we're anticipative of this ourselves, as this is the company's biggest effort to lap over previous failures and to redeem its market share. The model has already reached overseas markets, and it’s been met with quite a critical acclaim. But considering the current demands and condition of the Indian market, we'd have to keep our fingers crossed about whether the model can replicate its success here.
The international model is a two-door version, and reports on the web indicate that the same design is going to be rolled out here too. But there seems to be a notion that the company would tweak its design slightly, to enhance its inner seating capacity. This would be a welcome change keeping in mind the needs of today's average Indian family.
The vehicle is viewed largely as a replacement for the Gypsy, which has seen flattened sales off late. At this point, we can't pin an exact launch date for you, but reliable news outlets indicate that the model will be released by the early part of 2016 or the end of this year. The vehicle is to come with a petrol engine that displaces 1328cc, and is armed with a multi-point fuel injection system. Rumours have also been floating about that a Fiat-designed 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel engine could also be tucked within the hood. If you're whispering doubts about the chassis, braking and safety of the model, you can rest in peace, for a strong set of safety shields including the ABS and EBD are to be inculcated in its inner mechanism.
Coming to the features area, we expect pretty much what the current international version gets, including a 2-DIN music system, a driver information system with numerous warning and alerts, power windows, a sound AC unit and many more facilities that are sure to keep you relaxed and un-fazed all through the ride.
Exteriors
There are lots of rumors going round the market that this sports utility vehicle is going to be a four door version that suits according to the Indian requirements. Currently, in the international market, it is available as a two door version with a total length of just above 3.5 meters. Considering the speculations, we can expect that its length and wheelbase to be longer, while the overall design and cosmetics are most likely to remain the same. To begin with the side profile, it is elegantly designed with body colored outside rear view mirrors and door handles. These external wing mirrors are manually adjustable from inside. The company has given it flared up wheel arches that are expected to be fitted with a set of steel or alloy wheels, depending on the variants. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres that ensure a superior grip on any road conditions. It also has silver finished protective moldings that prevent it from minor damages. The B-pillar and window sill are finished in black color, which enhances the look of its side profile. Coming to its front fascia, it is designed with a number of features. The slanting bonnet has a few expressive lines and is complimented by a bonnet scoop. It has an attractive radiator grille in the center, which is fitted with quite a few body colored slats. It is embossed with a prominent company insignia, which gives the frontage a distinct look. This grille is flanked by a round shaped headlight cluster that is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator. Just below this, it has a silver colored bumper that is fitted with a wide air dam for cooling the engine. It is accompanied by a protective cladding for preventing the vehicle from minor damages. This air dam is surrounded by a couple of bright fog lamps that adds to the visibility, especially in bad weather conditions. The large windscreen is made of toughened laminated glass and it is accompanied by a couple of intermittent wipers. On the other hand, its rear end has a curvy boot lid, which is fitted with a thick chrome strip and embossed with variant badging. It is also fitted with a spare wheel that gives the end a rugged look. The bumper has a pair of reflectors along with a courtesy lamp and license plate. Its luminous tail light cluster is incorporated with reverse light along with brake light and turn indicator. There is a high mounted stop lamp that adds to the safety of this vehicle. At the rear, also has a a pair of roof rails and a roof mounted antenna, which adds to the overall appearance.
Exterior Measurements:
The overall length of this sports utility vehicle is about 3545mm along with a decent height of 1670mm (including roof rails), which ensures enough head room for all occupants. It has a total width of 1600mm, which includes both external rear view mirrors. Its large wheelbase measures about 2250mm and it also has a decent ground clearance of 190mm, which makes it capable for dealing with bad road conditions. Its steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 4.9 meters that is rather good for this segment.
Interiors
The internal section of this yet to be launched compact SUV series is designed in a two tone color scheme and is incorporated with a lot of refined aspects. The company has given it a smooth dashboard, which completes the overall look. It is equipped with AC vents, a large glove box with sunglass holder, an instrument panel and a three spoke steering wheel. It also has a couple of 12V power sockets in its center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices that adds to the convenience level. The company has given the cabin a perfect seating arrangement and expected that it can accommodate five passengers with ease. It has ergonomically designed seats, which are well cushioned. These are integrated with head restraints for added comfort. The driver seat comes with lumbar support along with height adjustable function. The seats are covered with premium upholstery that gives a plus feel while traveling. The rear seat comes with split foldable function, which helps in increasing the boot volume of car. The instrument panel houses an advanced trip computer, which features distance to empty, average consumption, average speed, outside temperature display, average fuel economy and so on for keeping the driver updated. Other than these, it includes quite a few utility based aspects that turns out useful to its passengers during their journey. The list includes cup holders in floor console, coin holders in center console as well as cup and magazine holders in front and rear door trims. Besides these, it has a storage compartment on driver and front passenger's side, while there is a spacious glove box compartment that is good enough for placing small things.
Interior Comfort:
As per speculations, the company is going to bless this sports utility vehicle with a lot of features, which will give the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. There is a manual HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system installed in the base variant, while the remaining trims have an automatic AC unit. The infotainment system is one interesting feature, which keeps its passengers entertained throughout their journey. It has an advanced music system that supports CD/MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, Aux-in port and USB interface. It also has four speakers for enhancing the ambiance of its cabin. The reverse parking sensors in the high-end trim helps the driver in parking it easily. It has all power operated windows with one touch operation on the driver's side. The 100 percent foldable rear seat is useful for bringing in more luggage inside. Other aspects such as guide-me home headlamps, fuel computer, digital clock, cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets and many other such aspects are also available. The instrument cluster includes a digital tripmeter, driver seat belt warning lamp, distance to empty indicator, tachometer, low fuel consumption as well as headlamp on warning notifications. Apart from these, it is also expected to be fitted with electric boot release, height adjustable seat belts, adjustable rear headrests, intelligent rear defogger and a tilt steering wheel.
Interior Measurements:
This vehicle has enough front and rear headroom. The car has a spacious boot compartment of 476 litres, which can be increased up to 1062 litres by folding its rear seat. The fuel tank has the capacity of storing up to 53 litres, which is quite good for planning longer drives.
Acceleration & Pick-Up
It is most likely that the manufacturer will offer this soon to be launched SUV with a choice of five speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission option to choose from. Since there is no information from the company relating to its engine options, it will be too early to say anything about its acceleration figures. However, one can expect this vehicle to reach a top speed of more than 160 Kmph. At the same time, it could also reach a 100 Kmph mark from a standstill in about 15 seconds, which is rather good for this class.
Engine and Performance
As per speculation, this vehicle will arrive on the Indian road with both petrol and diesel engine options for the buyers to select from. Its 1.5-litre diesel engine comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. This K9K diesel motor comprises of four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. It is capable of producing a peak power of 85bhp along with a pounding torque of 200Nm. At the same time, it may also get a 1.3-litre diesel motor that has the capacity of displacing about 1248cc. This power plant can unleash a peak power of 89bhp along with max torque of more than 200Nm. Both these engines are expected to mated with a five-speed manual transmission gearbox. It distributes the engine power to its front wheels.
Mileage
Internationally, the manufacturer is offering this model series with an M13A, variable valve timing based petrol engine, which is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection system. It is capable of giving away a peak mileage of approximately 15 Kmpl on the highways. For India, it may get a Renault sourced 1.5-litre K9K diesel motor, which can deliver a maximum mileage of 20 Kmpl. At the same time, some of the sources also suggest that this vehicle will also get a 1.3-litre diesel engine option that can give away a maximum of 22 Kmpl.
Power of Maruti Jimny
This upcoming sports utility vehicle is most likely to be launched with a 1461cc, K9K diesel motor that comprises of 4-cylinders. It is capable of producing a peak power of 85bhp along with a pounding torque of 200Nm. At the same time, it may also get a 1248cc, 4-cylinder diesel motor that can unleash a peak power of 89bhp along with a pounding torque of more than 200Nm.
Braking & Handling
The company has given this an efficient braking mechanism along with a reliable suspension system, which helps in keeping the vehicle well balanced and stable. Its front wheels are equipped with a set of solid disc brakes, while the rear ones have leading trailing drum brakes. It is also fitted with anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution system including brake assist, which further improves its braking mechanism. It prevents the vehicle from skidding in case of sudden brakes are applied. On the other hand, the company has used a McPherson strut for its front axle, whereas the rear one gets a torsion beam type of system. Both these axles are further assisted by coil springs that give a comfortable driving experience. It also has a rack and pinion based electric power assisted steering that offers precise response and makes handling simpler. It supports a minimum turning circle of 4.9 meters, which is quite good for this class.
Safety & Security
This upcoming model series has been equipped with quite a number of advanced safety features that protects the occupants as well as vehicle. All the variants in this model series is going to be integrated with energy absorbing bumpers along with crumple zones, which absorbs most of the impact caused in case of any untoward collision. In addition to these, it has anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function that augments it braking mechanism. The company has also given child lock for rear doors and a central locking system for added security. The presence of three point ELR (emergency locking retractor) seat belts for front passengers adds to the advantage and it also comes with driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel. It is incorporated with an advanced engine immobilizer unit that restricts any unauthorized access to the vehicle. It also has airbags for driver and front co-passenger that further bolsters the safety quotient. Apart from these, it is also expected to be fitted with rear parking sensors, a pair of bright fog lamps, central locking system, rear defogger, a high mounted stop lamp and many other such features.
Wheels
The neatly crafted wheel arches are fitted with a set of steel or alloy wheels, depending on the variants. These rims are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres that offers superior grip on any road conditions. The company has also given it a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre. It will be a standard aspect across all the variants.
Pros
1. Expected price range is quite reasonable.
2. After sales service is rather satisfying.
3. Roomy internal cabin with lots of utility based aspects.
4. Minimum ground clearance of 190mm is a big plus point.
5. Presence of rear parking sensors is a big plus point.
Cons
1. Diesel engine noise and harshness should be reduced.
2. There is still scope for improving its interior design.
3. Seating capacity of only four members is a disadvantage.
4. Many more comfort and safety features can be added.
5. Fuel economy is not up to the mark.
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