Maruti Suzuki Jimny Overview

The much-anticipated Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door SUV was ultimately unveiled on Day 1 of Auto Expo 2023 though the company will launch the car later in mid-2023. Booking is open starting from Rs. 21000. While approximately 70 new models are being introduced at this year’s Auto Expo, the 5-door Jimny has captured the interest of car fans all around the world. In the meantime, many would-be purchasers of the Mahindra Thar are keeping an eye on the Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door.

Until recently, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny was manufactured in India, but it is now accessible in various international countries. However, the current-generation Maruti Suzuki Jimny is smaller than previous models and offers only three doors. A new 5-door model will make it a mainstream choice for families. The 3-door and 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny have circular headlights and blacked-out grilles, but the 5-door’s longer wheelbase makes its profile look different from that of the 3-door.

Fans of compact SUVs are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny because of the combination of performance and value it is predicted to provide. At a starting price of less than Rs 10 lakh, the 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny is slated to feature a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, USB-C ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sunroof, and more.

In India, the Maruti Jimny has yet to hit the market.

India would be the first market to receive the five-door vehicle come May 2023. The Jimny boasts a sturdy body-on-frame design, is equipped with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD technology, and is powered by Maruti’s choice of the K15B 1.5-liter petrol engine, which produces 105hp and 134Nm of torque.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Variants

Regarding off-road vehicles, the Maruti Jimny is the newest and coolest option. The SUV was unveiled at the Auto Expo, but its price has not yet been announced, but pre-orders have begun. The Jimny is available from Maruti in either a Zeta or an Alpha trim. The 104 horsepower and 134 Newton-meters of torque from the same 1.5-litre gasoline engine are standard across both trim levels. Four-wheel drive is normal, and buyers can opt for a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission with this engine. Six airbags, an ABS, and electronic brake-force brake-force distribution for safety (EBD).

Zeta Variant:

The Zeta trim features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a semi-digital instrument cluster with a steering-mounted control, front and rear tow hooks, front and rear seat adjustable headrest, driver-side power window auto up/down with pinch guard, near-flat reclinable front seats, day/night IRVM, a defogger, electric outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, drip rails, steel wheels, rear.

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta, 1.5-litre gasoline, manual/automatic transmission
• Metal Tires
• Wing mirrors that can be adjusted electrically
• Seven-inch capacitive display
• Audio-visual system Smartplay Pro
• Sound system with four speakers
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Anti-fog mirrors
• Colour MID screen
• Automated glass shutters
• Reverse imaging system
• Devices that tighten seatbelts before they’re buckled
• Differential limited-slip brakes
• Attachments for ISOFIX car seats
• Airbags with electronic stability program level 6

Alpha variant:

Among the features exclusive to the Alpha trim is a 9-inch Suzuki smart play touchscreen infotainment system with an Arkamys sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, push start/stop, LED auto headlamps with washer, fog lamps, ORMVs in colour matching the body, 15-inch alloy wheels, and Dark green glass.

• Alpha Powertrain, 1.5-liter Petrol, Manual/Automatic Transmission, Maruti Suzuki Jimny, 5-Door
• Not only Zeta but also
• Pulls and knobs that match your skin tone
• Metal-alloy rims
• Vehicle headlights
• Spot cleaners for headlights
• LED headlights
• Lights designed to cut through the fog
• The convenience of a keyless ignition
• Constant velocity propulsion
• Temperament regulation
• The interactive display size of 9.0 inches
• Infotainment system Smartplay Pro+
• Audio equipment by Arkamys

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Exterior Design

The exterior of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny isn’t brand new, as it is based on the design of the 3-door Jimny marketed in other countries. The India-bound Jimny 5-door differs visually from its global 3-door counterpart primarily because of its longer wheelbase, two more doors, and revised rear section. The brand’s recognisable design cues are standard on the India-bound Jimny, including vertical B-pillars, smooth surfaces, round headlights, a slatted grille, large, off-road tires, and flared wheel wells.

The length of the 5-door Jimny is 3,985 mm, and its wheelbase is 2,590 mm, making it 340 mm more spacious inside than the 3-door version. It is 1,720mm in height and 1,645mm in breadth. The Jimny’s newly styled rear doors complement the vehicle’s boxy silhouette, although the largeish quarter glass reduces the usable back window space. The roof, meanwhile, features a sleek black finish.

The new, enlarged section beyond the back door features tall, vertical windows and sturdy support columns. There are no significant design modifications to the back of the Jimny 5-door compared to the Jimny 3-door. Both models retain the 3-door’s side-opening door on exposed hinges, the 5-door’s spare tire mounted on the door, and the bumper-mounted tail lamps. 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/80 section tires are standard equipment for the 5-door Jimny.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Interior Design

Similar to the 3-door variant, the 5-door Jimny shares the same interior. The dashboard is decked out in all black, giving off an air of ruggedness, and features a 9.0-inch touchscreen set high in the centre. The Swift and other Maruti models share components like the steering wheel and climate control’s round knobs. It has a grab hold positioned on the passenger side of the dashboard and fake exposed fasteners, both of which contribute to its tough appearance.

What makes it special is the rectangular instrument binnacle with its deep-set analogue circular dials for speedo and tachometer and a separate MID in the middle. There is also a tonne of useful compartments, front power window controls situated on the middle console, a bank of toggle-style switches, and a 4×4 gear lever. The Jimny sold in India is a four-seater with a bench seat in the rear.

Maruti’s SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an Arkamys sound system are all standard on the Jimny 5-door. The vehicle has 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) with hill hold assist and hill descent control, a rearview camera, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force brake-force brake-force brake-force distribution (EBD).

• Inside, the 5-door Jimny is the same as the 3-door.
• The centre of attention in the all-black dashboard is a 9.0-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• It has a grab hold positioned on the passenger side of the dashboard and fake exposed fasteners, both of which contribute to its tough appearance.
• This SUV has a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, hill start assist, hill descent control, hill hold control, and a limited-slip differential.

Features

The SUV has a rounded set of LED headlights and alloy wheels with five spokes:

The five-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny has a traditional SUV stance, complete with a clamshell bonnet, spherical LED headlight units, a blacked-out vertical slatted grille, a huge air dam, and a sloped windscreen. The SUV has outside rearview mirrors, fender flares covered in black plastic, and five-spoke alloy wheels on the sides. The back is accessorised with a spare wheel on the tailgate and taillights on the bumper.

An efficient 1.5-litre K-series motor provides power:

The 1.5-litre inline-four K-series gasoline engine in the Maruti Suzuki Jimny five-door is paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission and the “AllGrip” four-wheel-drive system. The maximum power and torque of the mill are 103 horsepower and 134 Newton meters.

Automatic headlights with washable LED projectors:

While the Jimny’s front appearance isn’t as bold as the Thar’s, the vehicle’s LED projector headlights and modest daytime running lights make it more practical. Off-roading with clear headlights is made easier with the included headlamp washers. The Mahindra SUV is equipped with standard halogen headlights without an automated feature.

A larger main screen:

Maruti’s new nine-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment touchscreen system in the five-door Jimny is available with a four-speaker Arkamys audio setup. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless communication are also supported. Alternatively, the Mahindra Thar features a seven-inch infotainment display with retro graphics and durable but less-than-premium styling.

Modulated temperature and humidity in the vehicle automatically:

The auto AC with a digital readout in the climate control console is a modest but welcome convenience in the Maruti Jimny. Even the most expensive trim level of the Mahindra Thar has a manually adjustable air conditioner.

The five-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny’s interior is roomy enough for five adults:

It has features like automatic climate control, a start/stop button, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, and a multi-function steering wheel. It has a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Six airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control keep passengers safe.

Dimensions:

The Maruti Suzuki 5-door and the Mahindra Thar 3-door are the same overall length, but the Mahindra off-roader is 175 millimetres wider and more than 124 millimetres taller. The wheelbase of the Jimny is 140 mm longer than the Thar’s. As a result of the basic 5-door configuration, the Jimny offers more room for rear passengers than the Thar and a larger trunk when all seats are in use.

Powertrains:

A 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine generates 105 PS of max power and 134 Nm of maximum torque in the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. A 5-speed manual and 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission (with a low range as standard) are coupled to the powertrain. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine in the Mahindra Thar 4WD generates 150 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque (320 lb-ft with automatic transmission), while the 2.2-litre diesel motor produces 130 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

Specifications for off-road use:

The ramp break-over angle for the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is only 24 degrees, whereas the approach and departure angles are both 36 degrees. The Mahindra Thar has a steeper ramp over angle and a steeper approach angle, whereas the Jimny has a more vertical departure angle.

Price:

With the release of the new 2WD models, Mahindra Thar’s price range has expanded to Rs 9.99-16.29 lakh. (both prices, ex-showroom). It’s worth noting that Maruti Suzuki has not yet announced pricing for the Jimny 5-door. We anticipate a price tag between 10-15 lakh rupees (ex-showroom).

Possibility of storing usable items in the trunk:

The longer wheelbase that comes with the Jimny’s lengthier dimensions in the Indian market allows for slightly more legroom in the rear seats, while the rest of the space appears to be devoted to a practical trunk. When both rows of seating are occupied, the Jimny’s total cargo capacity rises to 208 litres, making it significantly larger than the Thar’s 106 litres. Both still have a spare tyre placed on the side-hinged trunk lid.

Back Windows:

The Mahindra SUV has a roof and three doors, and the back windows are permanently installed. The five-door Jimny, however, has electrically operable rear windows that improve back-seat comfort.

Safety

Thanks to the Suzuki Jimny’s available shields, you may drive stress-free and with complete serenity. Vehicle antennae include a monocular camera and a laser sensor. Audio and visual warnings are given to the driver if the likelihood of an accident is low. When danger is great, the brake assist increases the pressure applied to the brakes. Heavy-duty planned braking is used if the crash danger is severe. All nighttime excursions come with high-beam assistance. If the chauffeur starts to nod off behind the wheel, a weaving alert will sound an alarm and flash a warning light. Separated Highway The establishment also does two other superior safeguarding actions, withdrawal warning and traffic sign recognition. Safety features such as dual front airbags, antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), a rearview camera (with parking sensors), a speed alert system, etc., are all standard equipment on the latest Mahindra Thar. However, ESP with roll-over mitigation, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, etc., comes standard on higher-end models. In addition, Global NCAP has just given the SUV its highest safety rating of four stars for its overall design and execution. The Suzuki Jimny sold in Europe comes standard with features such as front and rear side airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, and hill descent control. Hopefully, the India-bound version will come with the same set of features. However, the European version’s advanced safety features aren’t likely to make it to the India-specification vehicle. These include the DSBS (dual sensor brake support system), weaving alert system, lane departure warning system, traffic sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking.

Engine Specifications & Performance:

The Jimny’s (non-JDM) 1.5-litre engine was tweaked for additional power in 2022. It may not seem like a particularly large or powerful engine, but it performs admirably in light of the car’s size and weight. Suzuki matched the engine’s power with a robust and simple 4WD system so the vehicle could go almost anywhere.

It works out well with the available powertrain. The trusted K15B engine, good for about 102 horsepower, is used here. The 1.2-ton kerb weight is handled adequately by the motor, but the four-speed automatic transmission uses quite a bit of fuel. It works well enough in stop-and-go traffic, and its acceleration is adequate, but the engine could use more midrange oomph. This indicates that a high RPM is required for power delivery. As a result, it is under constant stress. If we get the same engine in the five-door, we may anticipate a 0-100kph time of roughly 12 seconds. Additionally, the car’s brakes have a remarkably vintage feel to them.

Good things and Bad things about Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Good Things

Design

The Suzuki Jimny has a stylish and modern exterior appearance. Everyone can get up and going in any weather thanks to the well-known sturdy headlights with washers. Black, sloping bumpers boost the wheels, and the drip rail at the very top no longer drips. The thick headlamps and indication projects are an inherited feature of the first-generation vehicle, while the modified straight slit-like form is a second-generation feature. The upright grilles up front, the clamshell bonnet, and the taillights mounted on the bumpers at the very back are all carryovers from the first two series. The vehicle’s length is 3300 mm, slightly longer than previous models.

Capable and Rugged Off-roader

The 2023 Jimny is not a great car on the road, but it makes up for its off-road ability, helped by features like hill hold and descent control, hill hold, and selectable 4WD. Its ground clearance of 1645 mm may not please avid off-roaders, but it’s more than adequate for the typical driver.

The Jimny’s body-on-frame structure with robust front and rear axles is another factor that contributes to its superior off-road performance.

Peculiar and Intriguing Compact 4×4

The Jimny shines when taken on rough terrain. After being put through its paces on various difficult terrains worldwide, it consistently blew away testing teams with its impressive performance. The Jimny’s high ride height, massive amounts of traction, low-range transfer case, and hill hold and hill descent control systems make short work of steep inclines and rough terrain. The aggressive Jimny is unstoppable off-road, despite the soft suspension system that keeps flinging you about.

Stunningly Attractive

Regarding visibility, the 2022 Suzuki Jimny performs admirably. Despite its diminutive stature, the Suzuki Jimny boasts an exquisite and distinctive appearance because of its designers’ skilful blending of retro and rugged design characteristics. Jimny’s new styling has made it the most fashionable SUV available.

Energizing Motor

The Jimny’s (non-JDM) 1.5-litre engine was tweaked for additional power in 2022. It may not seem like a particularly large or powerful engine, but it performs admirably in light of the car’s size and weight. Suzuki matched the engine’s power with a robust and simple 4WD system so the vehicle could go almost anywhere.

Manoeuvrable with Little Effort

The Jimny is one of the few 4×4 SUVs that is quite manageable due to its small size. The short turning radius of 4.9 metres and the light steering wheel make the Jimny exceptionally easy to operate within the city, even in high-traffic circumstances. In contrast, the high ground clearance of 1645 millimetres helps its off-road performance.

Bad things

Noisy at Highway Speeds

The 2023 Jimny only offers a 5-speed manual transmission, but its low gear ratios mean that the engine becomes very loud at speeds of 100 km/h or greater. However, the interior is effectively deadened against wind and road noise, so if you keep your speed below 80 km/h, you’ll find it very polished.

Lack of Legroom and Storage Space in the Back

The Jimny has enough room for four people without luggage to travel comfortably. Cargo space is extremely limited even with the seats collapsed. The Jimny may pass muster as a practical option if your idea of an SUV is compact and can travel nearly everywhere.

Jimny’s trunk space was significantly reduced so that the back seats could be made more spacious. You’ll have access to just 85 litres of space with upright rear seats. A soft knapsack or laptop computer can fit, but if you need more room, you can fold down the two rear seats (in a 50:50 split) to reveal a 377-litre cargo area. The front passenger seat folds flat to make room for longer things.

Tolerable Level of Security

The Jimny lacks advanced safety features and standard safety equipment. But it’s not all terrible; safety features like lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and six airbags are installed for passenger protection.

Parking sensors, a rearview camera, speed limit sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keep assisting are unfortunately absent features.

According to 2018 ANCAP ratings, it did not fare well in crash tests. Jimny’s rating of 3.3 stars is significantly lower than the average for all new automobiles.

Meteoric rise in costs

The Jimny isn’t perfect, but despite its flaws, it remains a popular choice among consumers looking for a trendy 4×4. Consequently, Suzuki is currently working through a backlog of orders, which has led to a shortage due to insufficient production. If you absolutely must have one, know that you will either have to pay a premium for a pre-owned model or wait six to eight months, on average, for one to be shipped to you from the manufacturer after placing an order.

Classical Furnishings

Suzuki worked hard to make the 2023 Jimny attractive from the outside. However, this Jimny continues to seem standard and unremarkable in its interior design. The instrument panel and dashboard are extremely rudimentary and dated. The dashboard and door panels are both constructed of hard, scratchy plastics meant to last for a long time but not provide any comfort.

Competitors of Maruti Suzuki Jimny:

The debut of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny at Auto Expo 2023 caused an immediate sensation. Over 3,000 reservations were made for this SUV in just two days. Both online and at its Nexa stores, Maruti Suzuki is now accepting bookings for its Jimny 5-door SUV. It costs just Rs 11,000 to reserve.

The price of Maruti Suzuki’s 5-door model will be announced in April or May at the time of its whole India launch. It will slot in between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara in the company’s India portfolio. The Force Gurkha and Mahindra Thar in India will be Jimny’s main rivals.

The Jimny and the Thar are the same overall length, even with the extra doors, but Maruti’s wheelbase is somewhat larger, making the inside more spacious. There may be greater head and legroom in the Mahindra SUV thanks to its wider track and higher roof. The Thar’s increased ground clearance of 16mm (about half an inch) may not seem like much for everyday driving, but it is a significant advantage while off-roading to overcome challenging terrains.

If you think comparing a three-door to a five-door is unfair, consider that the Thar, which is both larger and more practical, will also be much more expensive. The Jimny is cheaper than the three-door Thar despite being a longer vehicle (at 4 metres).

Both are large SUVs with seating for four people. Unfortunately, the Thar lacks a rear door, so passengers in the back must climb in from the front. Jimny’s only real selling point is an extra door in the back. Things will shift when the five-door Thar arrives, with its other two doors and capacity for five passengers.

The Thar has a more potent 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing up to 180Nm more torque and 45 more horsepower than the smaller Maruti. Both 4X4 and 4X2 options are available here, so pick the right one for your needs. Another alternative is a powerful diesel engine, favoured by off-roaders but abandoned by Maruti. The six-speed manual and automatic transmissions available with Mahindra engines make them ideal for long-distance driving.

Thar has a more advantageous approach angle, but the Jimny has a more beneficial departure angle due to its shorter rear overhang. The Thar’s shorter wheelbase, in comparison to that of the five-door Jimny, results in a lucky break-over grade for the vehicle’s undercarriage.

They include a low-range transfer case that enables instantaneous shifting between 4High and 4Low for all-wheel drive. Both off-road vehicles include brake locking differentials as standard equipment, with an optional mechanical locking differential available in the Thar’s top-tier diesel model. Regarding serious off-roading, the latter is the way to go.

The Jimny outshines Thar with its automatic LED headlights, automatic air conditioning, larger touchscreen system with wifi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rearview camera, and six airbags. Conversely, the Thar has a height-adjustable driver’s seat, TPMS, and real-time adventure data that this vehicle does not.

This is one area where the Jimny is predicted to do better than the Thar. While the base price of a Thar petrol 4WD model begins at Rs 13.59 lakh, the base price of a Maruti off-road vehicle is estimated to be about Rs 10 lakh. To give you an idea of the cost, the base pricing of a diesel 4WD model starts at Rs 14.16 lakh. Rear-wheel drive Thar models, available for between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 13.49 lakh, will compete more directly with Jimny’s five doors.

The Jimny is shorter and has less ground clearance than the Thar. The Jimny should be able to make it down steep inclines because of its low approach angle and high departure angle (thanks to its short rear end).

The Jimny’s lighter weight is a further benefit over the Thar. This little Maruti SUV should be more manoeuvrable in some off-road situations than the larger Thar because it weighs 540 kilogrammes less.

The Maruti SUV’s break-over angle is lower on ramps than other vehicles because of its larger wheelbase. While these figures are impressive in and of themselves, it’s worth noting that both SUVs have robust aftermarket support, making it easy to tailor either vehicle to the driver’s specific tastes and demands.

Conclusion

The Suzuki Jimny is a popular and well-liked compact SUV known for its clean design and attractive exterior that doesn’t detract from its capability as an off-road vehicle. It has a more mysterious air than its forerunners, but its accomplished propulsion and simple controls make it a hoot to ride shotgun.

It’s hard to dismiss its good aesthetics, off-road capability, and trendy appeal despite its many shortcomings, including poor performance and an unreliable crash-test result.

Image Source: “www.nexaexperience.com”