Maruti Suzuki Jimny

When you are looking to buy a new car in India, so many factors come into play: budget, safety, running costs, latest features, and reliable service. It is a big decision! Today, we are focusing on a highly anticipated new entry that is making waves: the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Let us find out if this iconic off-roader ticks all the right boxes for Indian car buyers.

Main Highlights

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is more than just an SUV; it is a lifestyle vehicle with serious off-road credentials.

Engine Specifications

The Jimny is powered by Maruti's proven 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine:

• Maximum Power: 103 bhp at 6,000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 134.2 Nm at 4,000 rpm

This engine offers reliable performance, well-suited for both city driving and off-road adventures.

Design Overview

The Jimny’s design is a major talking point.

• Exterior Design: It boasts a classic, boxy, and rugged silhouette, reminiscent of old-school off-roaders. Key elements include circular LED headlamps, a distinctive slatted grille, flared wheel arches, and an exposed tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The five-door setup enhances its practicality while retaining its timeless, adventurous appeal.
• Interior Design: The cabin is designed with functionality and durability in mind. An all-black theme with robust plastics gives it a utilitarian feel. The layout is straightforward and user-friendly. While not luxurious, the interior is practical and spacious enough for five occupants, especially with the 5-door configuration.

Key Features

Despite its rugged nature, the Jimny comes with a decent set of modern conveniences:

• Infotainment: 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Connected Tech: Suzuki Connect telematics suite.
• Comfort: Automatic climate control, Arkamys sound system.
• Convenience: Automatic LED headlamps with washers, cruise control, power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and a reverse parking camera.
• Note: It does not feature a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti Suzuki Jimny?

The Jimny offers an impressive ground clearance of 210 mm, essential for navigating challenging terrains and obstacles.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti Suzuki Jimny?

With all five seats in use, the Jimny provides a boot space of 208 litres. Folding down the rear seats expands this to a generous 332 litres, offering flexibility for varied cargo needs.

What is the Dimensions of Maruti Suzuki Jimny?

The 5-door Jimny’s dimensions are:

• Length: 3985 mm
• Width: 1645 mm
• Height: 1720 mm
• Wheelbase: 2590 mm

Powertrain Options

The Jimny offers a singular engine choice with two transmission options:

• Engine: 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine.
• Transmissions: 5-speed manual (5-MT) or a 4-speed torque converter automatic (4-AT).
• Drivetrain: Its core strength is the AllGrip Pro 4x4 system, featuring a low-range transfer gear for exceptional off-road capability (2H, 4H, 4L modes).

Safety Features

Safety is well addressed in the Jimny:

• Airbags: 6 airbags (front, side, curtain) as standard.
• Braking & Stability: ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
• Off-road & Hill Aids: Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control, and Brake Limited Slip Differential (LSD).
• Child Safety: ISOFIX child seat mounts.
• Parking Aids: Rearview camera and rear parking sensors.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings provide crucial insights:

Rating Agency	Model	Stars (Adult Occupant)	Stars (Child Occupant)	Notes
Bharat NCAP	Maruti Suzuki Jimny (5-door India)	Not Yet Tested	Not Yet Tested	The 5-door Jimny sold in India has not yet undergone crash testing by Bharat NCAP.
Global NCAP	Suzuki Jimny (3-door Africa spec)	3 Stars	3 Stars	This rating is for the 3-door Jimny sold in Africa. The 5-door Indian model has not been tested by Global NCAP. Please note ratings may vary by region and specification.

Rivals of Maruti Suzuki Jimny

The Jimny competes with other lifestyle off-road SUVs in India:

• Mahindra Thar: A direct competitor, also offering 4x4 prowess and a rugged image.
• Force Gurkha: Another niche, highly capable off-roader.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here is a balanced look at the Jimny’s strengths and weaknesses:

Pros (Advantages):

• Exceptional Off-road Prowess: True 4x4 with low range, built to conquer tough terrains.
• Compact & Agile: Easy to maneuver in city traffic and tight trails.
• Maruti's Reliability: Benefits from Maruti's vast service network, low maintenance costs, and high resale value.
• Practical 5-door Design: Adds everyday usability for families compared to the 3-door version.
• Iconic, Timeless Design: Stands out with its unique, rugged appeal.

Cons (Disadvantages):

• Premium Pricing: Some might find it expensive for the features and segment it occupies.
• Underwhelming Highway Performance: The engine feels adequate but not peppy, especially for quick overtakes on highways.
• Limited Feature List: Lacks some modern conveniences found in similarly priced SUVs (e.g., sunroof, wireless charging).
• Bouncy Ride: Off-road tuned suspension can lead to a slightly firm or bouncy ride on regular roads.
• Small Boot Space: 208 litres (with all seats up) is quite limited for family trips.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is more than just a car; it is a statement. It is an excellent choice if you prioritise genuine off-road capability, a unique design, and the peace of mind that comes with Maruti Suzuki's reliability and widespread service.

However, if your primary need is a feature-rich, high-performance, urban family SUV with plush ride comfort, other options might suit you better. The Jimny is for the adventurous at heart, a niche vehicle promising thrills where the tarmac ends. We highly recommend a test drive to see if this iconic off-roader perfectly aligns with your adventurous lifestyle!