The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a capable off-roader, but there is a catch — its compact dimensions. While this may be a drawback for say something like it being used for wildlife safaris, Odisha thought otherwise and came up with a genius solution — strip it, rework it, and give it three rows of seating with a balcony view!
Eight-seater Jimny safari vehicle — What’s been done?
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a five-seater from the factory. There is no space to add an extra row of seating without serious modifications. The safari vehicle used by the Similipal National Park in Odisha has seen serious modifications to its structure which include cutting away the roof entirely and changing the rear seats.
The second row has been raised to offer a better view, while the third row is raised even more and is mounted on a custom extension done to the body where the seat mounts. The roof is a custom canopy again, barely enough to keep the elements away from the occupants. The Jimny safari vehicle also gets full external crash protection. The mods are highly illegal, however, this is a Jimny that will never see public roads.
Eight-seater Jimny safari vehicle — Engine and drivetrain
There is no word if there have been any modifications done to the engine of the Jimny, but given the terrain the vehicle will be used on, it will be on 2WH or 4WL on most occasions. The Jimny’s wheels are also wrapped in chunky tyres that suit the terrain.
The stock Maruti Suzuki Jimny comes with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 103bhp and 134Nm of torque, mated to a torque converter automatic or a manual gearbox. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny comes with 4X4 as standard.
