Although the India-spec Suzuki Jimny will be a five-door model, the spied test mule is the three-door model which could be a testbed for the export model while also testing components for the India-spec Jimny.
Ever since the Suzuki Jimny was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, there has been much anticipation about this iconic SUV making its debut in India. However, we haven’t heard much about the Jimny since then, until now. The Suzuki Jimny Sierra has now been spotted testing in India for the first time. This spotted test mule is however the international-spec three door model. The India-spec Suzuki Jimny will be a five-door model to appeal to a wider audience. Let us tell you a little more about it.
This Jimny spotted testing can be seen wearing the Jimny Sierra model on its tail gate. The Jimny is actually available in two variants in Japan – Standard and Sierra. The Standard Jimny is powered by a 660cc turbo-petrol engine while the Sierra variant is powered by a much larger 1.5L naturally aspirated engine. The Sierra model is also a little larger as it wears much heavier cladding while the Standard variant is a little more utilitarian. In Europe, Suzuki sells the Sierra variant of the Jimny, only badged as the Jimny.
The India-spec Suzuki Jimny will actually be a 5-door derivative of the Sierra variant and it will be the first time the Jimny will be seeing a five-door variant of itself in its lifetime. The Jimny in India will be powered by the 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine. In fact, its the same K15B petrol engine that also does duty on the Vitara Brezza, Ciaz and Ertiga in India. The Jimny will come with a part-tine four wheel drive system and a low range transfer case, just like the international-spec model, to keep it true to its off-roading prowess. It is however unclear if Maruti Suzuki will offer the SHVS mild-hybrid system on the Jimny in India.
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Interestingly, the Jimny will have a similar positioning with the Vitara Brezza in India. Although it will be a five-door SUV, the overall length will still remain under 4 meters. However, just like the Brezza, the engine on the Jimny will be more than 1200cc and thus it will not qualify as a ‘small car’ to enjoy the tax benefits such ‘small cars’ enjoy. We had also previously reported to you that the five-door model will be manufactured here in India for domestic sale alongside the three-door model which will go out for exports. This spotted test mule could thus be a testbed for the export model while also testing components for the India-spec Jimny.
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The Suzuki Jimny will essentially come to India as a replacement for the now-discontinued Maruti Suzuki Gypsy. It does not have any direct competitor in the Indian market as its vastly different from the traditional monocoque-bodied compact SUVs in our market. Some might even want to compare it to the likes of the new Mahindra Thar and upcoming Force Gurkha for its off-roading prowess. In fact, the Jimny could very well be the most well-rounded package in this segment and with five doors specifically made for India, what else could you really want?
