About Maruti Jimny Alpha AT

Choosing a new car in India is a significant decision. You think about your budget, how safe the car is, the monthly maintenance costs, what the latest features are, and of course, the company service network. These are all crucial points for any smart buyer. Today, we are going to dive deep into a car that has certainly turned heads and sparked conversations – the new Maruti Jimny Alpha AT. Is this compact off-roader the right fit for your garage? Let us find out.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Maruti Jimny Alpha AT is powered by a reliable engine from the Maruti Suzuki family.

• Engine Type: K15B 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine
• Maximum Power: 103 bhp (at 6000 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 134.2 Nm (at 4000 rpm)
• Transmission: 4-speed Automatic (for the Alpha AT variant)

Design Overview

The Jimny is all about its iconic, rugged appeal.

Exterior

The Jimny Alpha AT proudly wears its heritage on its sleeve. It boasts a distinct, boxy design that harks back to classic off-roaders. You get signature round LED headlamps, a bold five-slot grille, and chunky wheel arches that give it a strong stance. The tailgate-mounted spare wheel is a classic touch, completing its adventurous look. It is compact yet commanding, a true head-turner.

Interior

Step inside, and the Jimny maintains its functional and robust theme. The cabin features an all-black layout with hard-wearing plastics, designed to withstand adventurous usage. The dashboard layout is straightforward, focusing on usability. You will find toggle switches and a grab handle for the front passenger, reinforcing its off-road DNA. Visibility from the driver seat is excellent thanks to the upright pillars and large windows.

Key Features

The Alpha AT trim comes loaded with modern conveniences to make your drives enjoyable.

• Infotainment Screen: 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Sunroof: Not available
• 360-Degree Camera: Yes
• Wireless Charging: Not available (often an aftermarket fitment)
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Other notable features: LED headlamps, Headlamp Washers, Push-button start, Cruise Control, Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, Steering-mounted controls.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Maruti Jimny Alpha AT?

• The Maruti Jimny Alpha AT offers an impressive 210 mm of ground clearance, perfect for tackling rough terrains.

What is the Boot Space of the Maruti Jimny Alpha AT?

• With all seats in place, the Jimny Alpha AT provides 208 litres of boot space. This can be expanded significantly by folding down the rear seats.

What are the Dimensions of the Maruti Jimny Alpha AT?

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

Powertrain Options

While this article focuses on the Alpha AT, it is good to know the Jimny in India comes with one engine but two gearbox options.

• Engine: 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic (the Alpha AT is the automatic variant)
• Drivetrain: All Jimny variants come with Maruti Suzuki's "AllGrip Pro" 4x4 system, featuring a low-range transfer case for serious off-road capabilities.

Safety Features

Safety is a priority, and the Jimny Alpha AT comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of features.

• 6 Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist
• Hill Descent Control
• ISOFIX child seat anchorages
• Rear-view camera

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding crash test ratings is vital for safety-conscious buyers.

Rating Agency	Maruti Jimny Alpha AT (5-Door, India)	Notes
Bharat NCAP	Awaiting Rating	The 5-door Maruti Jimny (India spec) is yet to be crash tested by Bharat NCAP.
Global NCAP	Awaiting Rating	The specific 5-door Indian version has not been tested by Global NCAP. The 3-door global spec Jimny received 3 stars in 2018 from Euro NCAP (different test protocols).

Rivals of Maruti Jimny Alpha AT

In the Indian market, the Jimny carves out a niche for itself. Its primary rivals in the ladder-frame 4x4 segment are:

• Mahindra Thar
• Force Gurkha

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let us look at a balanced view of what the Maruti Jimny Alpha AT offers.

Pros (Advantages)

• Exceptional Off-Road Capability: True 4x4 with a low-range transfer case, excellent ground clearance, and robust build make it a formidable off-roader.
• Compact Size: Easy to maneuver in city traffic and on narrow trails where larger SUVs struggle.
• Maruti Reliability and Service: Backed by Maruti Suzuki extensive service network and reputation for low maintenance.
• Unique Road Presence: Its distinct retro-modern design stands out from the crowd.
• Decent Features in Alpha Trim: Comes with a good set of features like LED headlamps, 9-inch touchscreen, and 360-degree camera.
• Smooth Automatic Gearbox: The 4-speed AT offers a smooth driving experience for daily commutes.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Underpowered Engine: The 1.5L engine, especially with the 4-speed AT, can feel sluggish on highways or during quick overtakes.
• Small Boot Space: The 208-litre boot is quite small, limiting luggage capacity for longer trips with all seats up.
• Limited Rear Seat Space: While it is a 5-door, the rear seats are best for two adults, with limited knee room for taller passengers.
• Bouncy Ride Quality: On tarmac, especially over undulations, the ladder-frame chassis can result in a somewhat bouncy ride compared to monocoque SUVs.
• Fuel Efficiency: The automatic variant is not the most fuel-efficient, especially considering the engine size.
• Lacks Some Premium Features: No sunroof, no ventilated seats, and no wireless phone charging as standard, which some rivals offer at similar price points.

Conclusion

The Maruti Jimny Alpha AT is not just another compact SUV; it is a lifestyle statement. It caters to a very specific buyer – someone who values genuine off-road capability, desires a unique and iconic design, and needs the assurance of Maruti Suzuki service. While it may not be the fastest or the most spacious for a family of five on long journeys, it excels where it is meant to: navigating challenging terrains and looking good while doing it.

If your adventures take you beyond the paved roads, if you appreciate a vehicle with character, and if you are willing to make a few compromises for its undeniable charm and prowess, then the Jimny Alpha AT could very well be your next companion. It is a car that encourages you to explore, and for many, that experience is priceless. Do consider a thorough test drive to see if its unique blend of ruggedness and urban usability aligns with your driving needs.