Maruti Suzuki Gypsy

Summary

The Maruti Suzuki Gypsy King is one of the iconic Maruti Suzuki cars in India. Based on Suzuki’s conventional SJ design, it has always been appreciated for robust body-built and performance. The SUV has a practical yet outdated design. Although, having a slightly longer wheelbase and high ground clearance, it looks sporty and outgoing. It features a mesh type front grille and small rounded headlamps, shod with steel rims, simple side profile and a spare tyre on 5^th door at the rear. The interior is well-designed and practical. The high-positioned front seats offer better visibility. The soft top version has two center facing benches, while the hard top version gets regular bench. Seats are comfortable, but the car is scarcely equipped with comfort-enhancing features. Powering the Gypsy is a 1248cc, SOHC, MPFI engine that delivers a maximum power of 80bhp at 4500rpm with 103Nm of torque at 4500rpm. However, it isn’t one of the fuel efficient Maruti Suzuki cars in India. Mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the regular HT and ST variants deliver a mileage of 12kmpl in city and 14kmpl on highways, while the HT Ambulance model offers 14kmpl and 16kmpl on urban roads and freeways, respectively. It can accelerate 0-100kmph in 16.4 seconds. The off-roading performance is excellent, thanks to its robust suspension, though the city drivability isn’t up-to the mark.

Exterior

Based on the Suzuki’s SJ design, the SUV looks outdated. The front-fascia of the car features a pronounced front grille, large headlamp cluster and bumper with reflector lamps. The side profile is very simple with black lining under body part. It measures 4010mm in length, 1540mm in width and 1845mm in height with a slightly longer wheelbase of 2375mm.

Interior

The interior design of the SUV is simple yet very practical. The high-positioning of front seats provide better visibility. The soft top and hard top versions are offered with two center facing benches and regular bench, respectively. Seats are supportive and feel comfortable. It is equipped with basic features such as 3-spoke steering wheel, fabric upholstery, safety handles, seatbelts etc.

Engine Transmission

The Gypsy is powered by a 1248cc, SOHC, MPFI engine that churns out a maximum power of 80bhp at 4500rpm, while yielding a maximum torque of 103Nm at 4500rpm. A 5-speed manual gearbox is the only available option. The regular HT and ST variants return a fuel economy of 12kmpl in city and 14kmpl on freeways, while the HT Ambulance variant delivers 14kmpl in city and 16kmpk on highways. It can achieve 0-100kmph in 16.4 seconds.

Performance and Handling

The off-roading capability of the Gypsy king is excellent, thanks to its robust four-wheel drive and suspension system. Drivability is impressive too. However, the ride isn’t comfortable, especially on city roads. Handling is predictable.

Braking System

Having front discs brake and rear drum brakes, the SUV offers impressive braking performance, though, it lacks the Anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Mileage

The 1298 cc Petrol - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 10 kmpl in city and 12 kmpl on highways

Safety features

The off-roader SUV is barely equipped with safety features. It gets safety handles, seat belts, robust suspension and lockable steering wheel

Verdict

The Maruti Suzuki Gypsy is one of the robust and practical Maruti Suzuki cars in India. Drivability, handling and engine performance are far better than its rivals, though styling is outdated, and safety and comfort-enhancing features are limited.

Competition

Maruti Gypsy King Vs Mahindra Thar

The conventional design and styling of the Gypsy is outdated, while the Mahindra Thar has timeless, rugged jeep design. Wearing the stylish alloy wheels, rectangular front glass and robust build-built, the Thar looks sportier and more outgoing than its rival.

Maruti’s SUV is well-designed and functional from inside, though, the Thar has feature-rich, better quality and more comfortable interior. The 2.5-litre CRDe turbo engine of Thar is more powerful and frugal than the Gypsy’s 1248cc, SOHC engine. The ride quality and off-roading performance of Thar are quite impressive. The Gypsy has always been one the most popular Maruti Suzuki car models among off-roading enthusiasts. However, the Mahindra Thar is a good choice for buyers who want latest and improved car from this segment.

Pros

1. Engine performance
2. Four-wheel driving option
3. Easy to drive in city
4. Seating capacity
5. Maruti’s after sale services 

Cons

1. Outdated styling
2. Poor fuel economy
3. Lack of power steering and ABS
4. Cost of ownership