Jimny has been one of the most favorite little SUVs in the world from Suzuki. The demand for the Jimny has been growing constantly across the globe, which is the reason that Suzuki has started manufacturing it in India. We recently reported that Suzuki exported some units from India to Latin America. This confirms the viability of launching the Jimny in India as we. Earlier, it would have been difficult to make a case for the SUV in India alone, but once the manufacturing has started, Maruti Suzuki can test some units of the Jimny in India to get a response from the customers and decide accordingly. That is the reason why Maruti Suzuki has hinted at launching it in our market if demands arise.
The Jimny was showcased at the Auto Expo 2020 received a lot of traction from potential buyers. Especially after the launch of Mahindra Thar in October last year, the trend of the market is very clear and Maruti Suzuki sees the potential there. Mahindra has been pleasantly surprised by the sheer number of bookings it has received till now for the Thar and is ramping up the production to meet the demand. Having observed it, Maruti may also manufacture the 5-door version of the Jimny in India to give Thar a run for the money. There are no direct rivals of the Thar as such at the moment, which makes it even more interesting for Maruti Suzuki to establish itself in this segment again. Earlier, the iconic Gypsy was well positioned in this light-weight 4×4 off-roading car segment. Maruti will hope to achieve that level of success with Jimny as well.
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Maruti Suzuki Jimny – What to expect?
In terms of the design and exterior, we expect a similar sort of design language as on the international models. There may be some minor changes to keep the costs in check but largely, the overall dimensions and tall and boxy stance will likely continue. The front end will be an updated version of the Gypsy that we’ve known all our lives, with rounded-headlamps with DLRs, vertically slatted grille, tall bonnet line, chunky wheel arches with protective cladding, high-profile off-roading ready alloys along with short overhangs on both sides to maximize the approach, break-over and departure angles for better off-roading capabilities. The interiors will feature regular equipment like Digital Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Digital Instrument Cluster, Steering-mounted Controls and a proper 4×4 drive system.
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Maruti Suzuki Jimny – Expected Engines, Prices and Rivals
When it comes to the engine options, the Jimny will most likely be powered with the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, which makes 103hp and 138Nm. It is the same engine that powers the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ciaz and Ertiga. There will be a 5-speed manual or an AMT on offer and maybe the inclusion of drive modes to enhance terrain responses and traction control. We expect the prices to remain in the vicinity of the Thar, say from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, ex-showroom range. It will be sold through the NEXA department of Maruti Suzuki. The direct rival will include Mahindra Thar alone.
