The original Gypsy, a derivative of the Jimny, was a staple in India since the 1980s. Its go-anywhere attitude and bulletproof reliability made it a favorite among adventurers and defense forces. But in 2019, Maruti retired the Gypsy, leaving fans heartbroken—until the 5-door Jimny arrived in 2023. Now, the Jimny Nomade takes that legacy global, with Japan embracing a vehicle built in India, a country it once supplied with technology and models.

For decades, the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, a rugged off-roader ruled Indian roads and army barracks alike. Fast forward to 2025 history has come full circle. The 5-door Maruti Jimny, now proudly made in India, is being exported to Japan as the Jimny Nomade—a name that nods to its nomadic spirit. But this isn’t just a rebadging exercise. It’s a symbolic reversal of roles: once a nation that imported Japanese cars, India is now shipping its own creations back to the automotive homeland

The Irony and the Ambition

The Jimny Nomade’s journey is layered with irony. A car inspired by Japan’s design ethos, built in India, and now sold to Japanese buyers as a premium offering. Meanwhile, in India, the Jimny battles homegrown rivals like the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha, proving that local manufacturing can compete globally.

It represents how far India’s automotive industry has come, from assembling imported kits to engineering vehicles that even Japan desires. For Suzuki, it’s a validation of its “Make in India” strategy.

What’s New in the Japan-Spec Jimny Nomade?

While the India-made Jimny Nomade retains the boxy, rugged design loved worldwide, Suzuki Japan has added subtle tweaks to suit local tastes:

Exterior: Two exclusive shades—Chiffon Ivory Metallic (with a black roof) and Jungle Green—replace India’s vibrant Kinetic Yellow.

Interior: A black-and-grey dual-tone cabin replaces India’s all-black theme, though the dashboard layout remains identical. Surprisingly, the Japan model gets a smaller touchscreen than the India-spec version.

Features: Heated ORVMs, heated front seats, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) give the Nomade a premium edge over its Indian sibling.

Under the Hood: Slightly Tamed, Still Tough

The Jimny Nomade shares its 1.5L petrol engine with the India-spec model, but output is slightly dialed down for Japan:

Japan: 102 PS power, 130 Nm torque India: 105 PS power, 134 Nm torque

Both versions come with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission and Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD system. The minor power difference likely caters to Japan’s emission norms or driving preferences.

Pricing and Demand: A Hit in Japan

Priced between ¥2.65M–¥2.75M (≈₹14.86–15.41 lakh), the Jimny Nomade costs slightly more in Japan than in India (₹12.74–14.95 lakh). Yet, demand has been staggering: 50,000 bookings flooded in within a week, forcing Suzuki Japan to pause orders temporarily. This frenzy highlights not just the Jimny’s cult appeal but also the trust in India’s manufacturing prowess.