Maruti Suzuki Jimny Manual Vs Automatic: Which Is The Better Option?

The Jimny gets a standard 5-speed manual transmission and you will have to pay extra to get the 4-speed torque converter automatic.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny.

Source : ABP

The Jimny is finally here and you can book one plus when it comes to engine options there isn't any because it is the 1.5l petrol which is familiar. However, what could be a confusing choice would be the manual gearbox or an automatic one. The Jimny gets a standard 5-speed manual transmission and you will have to pay extra to get the 4-speed torque converter automatic.

 

So which is better? It really depends on how you intend to use the Jimny. The 5-speed manual is the drivers choice and fits in with the character of the car more. It surely has a slightly heftier feel to it than the lighter versions seen on other Maruti cars.

 

The clutch is slightly heavy too but shift has a precise feel. It does not feel cumbersome for city use though but long commutes could get tiring. Thing is for offroad use the Jimny with the manual gearbox is the better bit since it brings more control and you have more fun.

 

The same goes for occasional driving or for weekend trips then you will find the manual more satisfying. That said, the automatic has its clear advantages though and the biggest being it is easier to drive both on and off the road. The manual is a tad more difficult to drive off-road the road, especially for newbies with chances of ruining the clutch.

 

The automatic is easier to drive and the shifts are well tuned for low speed off-road and for on-road use. You can easily drive in traffic with no fuss while offroad it is convenient even if not as fun. The automatic is a 4-speed gearbox and one that used to be on older Maruti cars. There are no paddle shifters but you can lock the gears with '2' or with the 'L' mode where it will stick to the lowest gear.

Of course, then there is the fuel efficiency which isn't your typically high Maruti Suzuki levels. That said, the manual is more efficient than the automatic while the automatic will just about give double digit figures with careful driving. Offroad use and pushing the engine hard means neither would be efficient but the automatic is slightly less.

Hence, the automatic is the one to go for if you will use it daily and need the convenience while many will go for that. It is also easier to live with. The manual is more fun to drive and would be cheaper while also being more efficient.