Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the country's favourite passenger car maker, is credited for acquainting the domestic audience with their first real off-road vehicle in the form of Gypsy, some 27 years back in 1985. The no-fancy and true blood off roader Gypsy is still marketed in the Indian auto market but its demanded faded year ago, because of its not-so good looking vintage looks and below average under-the-hood specifications.
Steps Maruti Suzuki could take for making Gypsy a success
Evidently, over the years Gypsy has seen several Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) come and go, which casually snatched away its sales in the Indian market. There is no doubt that MSIL has never taken any interest, whatsoever in boosting the popularity and demand of Gypsy among domestic car enthusiasts. Buoyed by the immense popularity of its small car fleet, Maruti Suzuki has always refrained from focusing on products in its other segments. The Gypsy was a quality product and actually ahead of its era in the beginning of its life, but because of MSIL’s indifferent attitude and scarce upgrades lost its brand value through time.
Coming to under the bonnet specifications of Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, the scene becomes more depressing, as the off roader comes assimilated with a 4 cylinder, 1.3 litre, 1298 cc, petrol power-mill. Considering SUV build of Gypsy, the tiny powertrain needs a serious revision and a diesel engine is actually the need of an hour.
Further, the interior and exterior looks of Gypsy are in dire need of a full revamp. The other SUVs like Mahindra Bolero witnessed instant acceptance, because of their brilliant interior and exterior settings along with a powerful diesel engine. Hence, to sum the points that Maruti Suzuki needs to work on towards making Gypsy more appealing would be first a meatier diesel engine, reworked interior design, more contemporary looks, and most importantly a enticing new promotional campaign.
