Good Bye GYPSY… Maruti Suzuki finally discontinues Gypsy..
Maruti Gypsy has been a favourite off-roader among enthusiasts for many years. And just like that, Maruti Suzuki has pulled the plug on its production. An email circulated among all Maruti dealerships specifically asking not to accept any more bookings for the Gyspy.
After being in production for 34 years, Gypsy will probably be one of the longest-running models in Indian auto history. With its discontinuation, Indian loses the only sub-Rs 10 lakh petrol-powered off-roader. The last known price was Rs 6.25 lakh and Rs 6.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the soft-top and hard-top variants, respectively.
The Gypsy has been a made-to-order SUV for years now. The Gypsy had been a dinosaur in terms of creature comforts. Even in 2019, the Gypsies came out of the factory without power steering and air condition. Besides, the original design that dates back to the 1980s wouldn’t meet the latest crash test norms and BS6 emission norms.
Popular choice
With its ladder-on-frame chassis and rear-wheel drive layout, Gypsy was a popular choice for its off-roading capabilities. The Gypsy still has a strong run in the Indian
rally scene.
Gypsy was only offered with a petrol engine and the 1.3L fuel injected engine churning out 80 Bhp and 104 Nm of torque, was enough to enthuse beginners and experienced people alike. The Gypsy came with a part-time 4-wheel drive system with its transfer case offering both low and high ratios.
Army’s favourite
The Gypsy has been a reliable work horse for Indian armed forces. Ever since Maruti Suzuki got its first order in 1991, it has delivered more than 35,000 Gypsies to the army. Maruti bagged its single-largest order from Indian Army for over 4,000 Gypsies in 2017. In 2018, Maruti received the last order to supply 2,071 Gypsies to the Army. The Gypsy is still used at commemoration parades and other ceremonies.
History of Gypsy
In 1985, Gypsy was the third vehicle to be offered by Maruti Suzuki in India, after the SS80 hatchback and the Omni passenger van. Its 970-cc engine carburetted F10A engine made 45 bhp and was mated to a four-speed gearbox.
In 1996, a 1.0L petrol engine from Esteem was added and it was available for a decade before upgrading to a 1.3 litre petrol mill and when the millenium kicked-in the engine got fuel injection following stricter emission norms.
Same avatar for over three decades
On the outside, Gypsy remained unchanged for all these years with its boxy design. All throughout its journey in India, the second generation of the SUV was sold, whereas overseas the car had ramped up to head to the fourth generation. Internationally, the car was sold as ‘Suzuki Jimny’.
Source – Economic Times.
