Want a New Suzuki Samurai? Go to India or New Zealand

Nostalgia: Want a New Suzuki Samurai? Become to India or New Zealand

Editor: Andy Lilienthal – subcompactculture.com

Portland, OR – The Suzuki Samurai was introduced to North America in 1985 as a MY 1986 vehicle and was on sale for ten model years. Despite the wholeConsumer Reports scroll-over conundrum in the 1980s, it remains one of the most loved, coveted, and in-demand 4x4s out at that place. Don't believe me? Await at how much they go for on craigslist. Its off-road ability and subcompact size make information technology bang-up for tackling all sorts of terrain; its reputation for durability and off-road capability is legendary. In fact, it's still one of the more popular platforms around the earth for those looking to venture off the pavement. And although the Samurai eventually evolved as the Jimny in many markets, there are notwithstanding a couple places you lot can buy a brand-new version: Bharat and New Zealand.

Maruti Suzuki Gypsy
While Suzuki pulled out of the North American markets in 2013, information technology's the number one automotive make in the rapidly developing country of Bharat. There, Suzuki is known as Maruti Suzuki, which is the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese auto manufacturer. It is in Republic of india where yous can buy a make-new Maruti Suzuki Gypsy—essentially a make-new long-wheelbase Samurai—and it's equally durable, capable, and Spartan as ever.

Co-ordinate to the Maruti Suzuki website, features include a driver's side rear view mirror, a spare cycle encompass, a foldable front windscreen, and windshield washer and 3 speed wiper—oh the luxury. Information technology besides has a cobweb reinforced plastic / removable sail top. Information technology's like 1986 all over once again, minus acrid-washed jeans.

The Gypsy is powered by the fuel-injected 1.iii-liter four cylinder GB13BB engine, which was last seen in North America under the hood of the Geo/Chevy Metro. It makes 80 hp and 76 ft/lbs. of torque and is put through a five-speed manual gearbox mated to a 2-speed transfer case with low range. It still rides on leafage springs and solid axles, still has 205/70/fifteen tires on steel wheels. Just like a Samurai, the Gypsy has a total of zippo airbags. That being said, it'southward super capable on bad terrain, decent on fuel, and likely expressionless-nuts reliable. I hateful, they've had 30+ years to prefect it, right?

And so how much does it toll? Just under 60,000 rupees (with metal pigment) or almost $8,736 USD. At that price, I'd accept two. FYI, the Gypsy is made in India.

Suzuki Farm Worker
The island nation of New Zealand is 1 of the other places on world where you can buy a new Samurai, although there it's now chosen the Farm Worker. Interestingly, the Farm Worker was reintroduced into New Zealand in 2013, and is only a rebadged Maruti Suzuki vehicle.

Different the Indian market Gypsy, nonetheless, the Farm Worker has a pickup-style configuration with a fiberglass bulkhead that houses a rear window. It also only has a canvas roof. Otherwise, it's mechanically the same as its Indian acousin. Unlike the Gypsy, the Farm Worker is intended for subcontract employ only, and cannot be registered for road utilize due to the lack of safety features. Kiwis looking for a road-legal 4×iv Suzuki will have to go with the more than modern Jimny, which is not a bad selection, and nevertheless rides on solid axles.

Despite the fact that these vehicles can be purchased new, they're yet rough-riding, basic transportation. Granted, they're crawly on unpaved roads (and on no roads at all). Autocar Republic of india said of the Gypsy, "In that location is nil that can touch a Gypsy off the road, except peradventure an Arjun battle tank." We're guessing the tank rides about the same.

Nearly the Author: Andy Lilienthal, Editor In Chief of Subcompact Culture Blog and Suzuki iv×4 enthusiast. Subcompact Culture is all about modest cars. This includes subcompacts, compacts, micro cars, and more. Heck, even some vehicles that are a fleck bigger. From news and reviews to cars shows and projection vehicles: Subcompact is the small car weblog.

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