Auto Expo 2023: The Jimny is finally here but the India spec model is here with a twist with Maruti Suzuki making sure to appeal to a wide variety of SUV buyers. There is no doubt that the Jimny has massive hype and that instantly will translate to sales but for us, the 5-door version comes with differences and is tuned for our market tastes. We had a good look around the car and spent some time in the interior as well for a first impression.
How Does Jimny 5-Door Look?
The Jimny is all about its pure off-roader looks and styling which is true to its roots including the much-loved Gypsy. The grille with its slats and the round headlamps along with the clamshell bonnet scream off-roader while the boxy proportions are upright. Thick cladding and decent-sized wheels are further pointers to its off-road DNA along with a large side view mirror which is important for an off-roader. The Jimny for India is the 5-door version and that is crucial since the extra length adds more presence and helps it look much bigger than the 3-door version.
At the back, you get a large spare wheel mounted at the back which again is like on the previous Gypsy. It has oodles of presence and in this colour, looks attractive with a butch stance. It is compact though with a length of 3985mm and width is 1645mm. The colours on offer are 7 options including 5 monotone shades and 2 dual-tone options including the Kinetic yellow. Special mention must go to the build quality which is tough.
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What About Jimny 5-Door Interior?
Inside, it is not a climb as you think and getting in/out is fairly easy. The driving position is also an off-roader with a raised feel and a clear view with slim pillars. Quality is decent while the instrument cluster is unique too. The main touchscreen is a 9-inch unit which contains the latest Maruti infotainment system with an all-black look.
Rather uniquely there is a pattern which reflects a high-grade single-lens reflex camera that conceals small scratches, suppresses reflections and is easy to grip. Features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Arkamys audio system, 6-airbags, Brake (LSD) Limited Slip Differential, ESP with hill hold assist, hill descent control, rear-view camera, and ABS with EBD and more. Quality has a sense of toughness which suits the car but has a basic look too while again bringing an off-roader feel.
What About Space?
The important bit. I drove the 3-door version and it is tiny with next to no space. The move to 5-doors has been a clever one and one that makes sense. The rear seats have proper space and excellent headroom due to the design it feels airy too. Legroom is decent and it is more of a four-seater with a central tunnel, but you would not mind it. Luggage space is adequate at best at 208l (332l with rear seats folded).
Engine Options?
The engine options are as expected with a 1.5l petrol with it being a K-Series engine with an idle start-stop function. Power is 104bhp and 138Nm with a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed auto. Yes, it has the old 4-speed automatic as the new one cannot be paired with this car. That said, the manual seems to be the version to have. In terms of specifications, it has a ground clearance of 210Nm while the off-road specs include a proper 4x4 system called Allgrip Pro with a 4WD transfer case which means you can shift from 2H two-wheel drive to 4H four-wheel drive on-the-fly. The approach angle is 36°, the Ramp break-over angle is 24° and it has a Departure angle of 50°.
Is Jimny 5-Door Worth It?
We will be driving it soon but for now, the wait has been worth it since it has been a clever move to convert it to a 5-door and make it vastly more appealing as a compact SUV alternative. The styling and tough build are clearly the highlight along with the proper off-roader performance on paper. This could give Maruti a big lead in the lucrative compact SUV segment.
