The Maruti Suzuki Gypsy might seem to be overshadowed by the advent of many new vehicles in the Indian market. However, it still remains the favourite of the Indian Army, who recently ordered 2,071 units of the vehicle.
According to sources, this is the second order from the Indian Army in the last seven months. The last order of 4,000 units of the Gypsy was delivered to them by December 2014. Ever since Maruti Suzuki bagged the first order from the military for the Gypsy in 1991, the company has delivered more than 35,000 units of the same to them.
The Maruti Suzuki Gypsy is still sold in the Indian market for the masses. However, the one sold to the Indian army is a made to order model, which is specially designed with different accessories and equipment. The Military uses this all-purpose vehicle for their various activities and in different terrains right from city roads to mountains and deserts. The car also gets hooks at the back to tow military equipment.
The vehicle is powered by a 1.3-litre petrol mill that produces 80bhp of power and 100Nm of torque. The motor comes paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle is sold as an eight-seater arrangement and comes in the 4WD configuration.
The Gypsy was a hit when it was launched in 1985, but eventually the petrol vehicle lost out to the many diesel-powered utility vehicles that came up. The Indian Army is also looking at the new kids on the block like the Tata Safari and the Mahindra Scorpio. These cars have also made their way into the Army order books. The Gypsy might have a tough time sustaining its existence as the other manufacturers will also participate in the new tender for the military vehicles.
Source: ET
