India's lush jungles have long been navigated by the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy. This rugged SUV is synonymous with adventure and wildlife enthusiasts.

Also, Forest officials have relied on its rugged simplicity for decades.

However, times change, as such, The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) have recently mandated Wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks to replace their ageing Gypsy with ones meeting the latest emission norms.

Fulfilling this requirement is the new Jimny Safari with its modern engineering and eco-friendly credentials. This model is set to become the vehicle of choice for this transition. Wildlife authorities are also collaborating with Maruti Suzuki to customize the Jimny SUVs to meet their unique demands.

Recent images reveal the Jimny Safari to be a comfortable ride tailored for the wilderness. The new design includes removed roofs and elevated bench seats for better visibility, which happen to be essentials for any wildlife enthusiast.

The Safari version of the Jimny has evoked mixed reactions. While the higher seating arrangement and roll bars for safety have been appreciated, the fixed windscreen poses a challenge for photographers.

The Jimny Safari is believed to be based on the Zeta variant, featuring practical steel wheels, and sports a bull bar for rugged protection. There's anticipation for other versions which could offer features like a foldable windscreen or a soft top with side-facing bench seats.

Under the bonnet, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny Safari is expected to retain the robust 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with 103bhp and 134Nm of torque. Also, the model will be paired with the 5-speed manual gearbox and feature Suzuki's AllGrip Pro 4WD system.

The transition from the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy to the Jimny represents a significant shift in the landscape of Indian wildlife tourism vehicles. With the Jimny's modern features, eco-friendly engine, and potential for tailored modifications, it is set to become the new favourite among forest officials.