Maruti Suzuki Jimny: The story of the Jimny started back in 1970, and generations thereafter continued to embody the Zen-like philosophy of a rugged, simple 4×4 with real off-road ability in a lightweight, compact package.

Internationally, the model is already in its fourth generation (globally), which was launched in India in 2018 to considerable acclaim.

The engine options are paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, and Maruti Suzuki chose the five-door extended wheelbase configuration for the Indian market, compared to the three-door version in several global markets, meeting the practical needs of families in India.

And this version is where we can see Maruti Suzuki’s catering to local taste, without compromising the core DNA of the Jimny.

This long wheelbase increases both leg room and ease of entry into the cabin but doesn’t come at the expense of the vehicle’s fundamental off-road geometry and ability.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Functional Authenticity (design)

The Jimny’s styling is a radical departure from current trends in the auto industry. Instead of featuring curves and complex surfacing, it falls to functional minimalism with flat body panels, circular headlamps and a pitched windshield.

When you think about it this look is not just about style — it has other benefits, such as better visibility, easier panel replacement and the best use of interior space, compared with how much room is taken up on the outside.

Shared design features such as the five-slot grille, round headlamps, independent front and rear fender flares, and the spare wheel mounted on the side-hinged rear western style doorknob remain iconic (the vintage look).

The boxy silhouette is good for more than its unique style — it also yields excellent headroom and maximizes the amount of usable volume in the cabin.

The vertical pillars and expansive glass area lend great visibility—essential for both driving on trails and in urban areas.

Available in five single-tone and three dual-tone shades, the Jimny sits on 15-inch alloy wheels shod with 195/80 R15 rubbers that offer a decent balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability.

Powertrain and Off-Road Systems

The Jimny uses Suzuki’s longstanding K15B 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes around 100 horsepower 130 Nm of torque.

These numbers seem modest by today’s standards but are completely enough for a car weighing roughly 1,200 kg.

It’s available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, both shuttling power to Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro four-wheel-drive system.

That 4WD is a key differentiator against crossover rivals. The Jimny has a proper transfer case with 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (four-wheel drive) and 4L (four-wheel drive with low range) modes, unlike the on-demand systems in most compact SUVs.

Low-range gearing supplies the torque multiplication needed for rugged off-road situations, while the ladder frame chassis supplies the tough underpinnings needed to tackle difficult terrain.

Features for further off-road cred include brake-based limited-slip differential function, hill descent control and hill hold assist.

With a 36-degree approach rate, 47-degree departure rate, and 24-degree breakover angle, the vehicle’s figures can rival or surpass those of many larger, pricier off-roaders.

Interior: Functional Minimalism

On the inside, the Jimny stays true to its utilitarian roots but packs plenty of modern tech into a fantastic package.

The controls on the dashboard are simple and feature grab handles along with large circular shapes that repeat the design language of the skin.

A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is offered, and automatic climate control, cruise control and steering-mounted audio controls add to everyday convenience.

Compared to the three-door global model, the grow in wheelbase adds a lot to rear passenger convenience.

The rear seats split 50:50 and fold, creating a flat load floor, expanding the otherwise modest 208 liters of cargo capacity to a more helpful 332-liters.

In the cabin, the Trail Sport has washer rubber floor mats and water-resistant seat seat upholstery along with a number of storage compartments designed for practical everyday use.

On-Road Behavior

While off-road prowess is what gives the Jimny its personality, the vast majority of owners will find themselves on tarmacked roads.

The Jimny serves up an interesting driving experience here, with its upright height, stubby wheelbase and recirculating ball steering system.

The ride quality deals reasonably well with urban imperfections, and highway driving displays typical short-wheelbase, tall vehicle properties, which include some susceptibility to crosswinds.

The driver’s seat is very upright and commanding with great visibility, which helps with confident city driving even with the boxy dimensions.

Noise insulation is a tangible step up over past generations, and wind noise at highway speed is the only real culprit, with wind whipping around the upright windshield.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Importance and position in the market

It offers true off-roading capabilities in a fairly compact and reasonably priced package, making the Mariti Suzuki Jimny a rare breed in the Indian market.

Where crossover rivals have cared more about on-road manners and styling at the cost of ability, the Jimny never compromised its core 4×4 identity.

The Jimny is an important growth area for Maruti Suzuki because it moves very much into lifestyle territory where purchases are made with a lot more emotion than pure logic.

Its unique character appeals to buyers who value authenticity and capabilities, not necessarily those looking to maximize their rupees per features.

For so many enthusiasts in the country, the Jimny’s arrival in their driveway brings forth the nostalgia of a truck that finds purpose in its bare standards, and while we appreciate luxurious features found in the newest lineup of offerings by manufacturers,

The appreciation for mechanics still runs high amongst loyal folk who remember what meeting at the frontlines of adventure meant, and Jimny does exactly that in spades, along with that ever elusive ability where the only pain point for the owners is their pockets.

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