After loads of rumours, speculations, test mules and snapshots the news is finally confirmed. The 2021 Jimny will be making its way to Maruti Suzuki dealerships in India very soon, hopefully. Unfortunately, the rumour mills have it that it will only be available in 5 door format initially.
What is it: The Jimny does not really need an introduction. It is in essence a successor to the legendarily loved and respected Gypsy. Equipped with compact proportions, unbeatable reliability and a platform that is loved in India. The Jimny has been highly anticipated ever since its reveal at the 2020 AutoExpo.
How does it look: After the Gypsy a void was left in the market, which the Jimny is set to cover. It takes off from the word go, with its retro styling. It is sharper and boxier than before. But retains traits like round headlights, independent indicators and a similar grille. The Jimny is reminiscent of the G Wagon but in a scaled down way. Looks are subjective however this design has been well received world wide.
Inside: The small footprint, even in the 5 door don’t allow the Jimny to be the most comfortable car out there. However the interior is functional and leaps and bounds ahead of the spartan Gypsy. It retains the go anywhere attitude of the Gyspy however. Expect the interior to be similar to the Swift in terms of layout and quality. Luggage quantity on the 3 door is 377L with the rear seats down and 85L with them up. No figures have been shared for the 5 door as yet.
5 door too long? : Well, no. The Jimny falls under the 4m mark and could have skipped the higher tax bracket. The Jimny stretches 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,730mm in height. It will feature a wheelbase of 2,550mm. However due to it’s larger 1.5L motor with mild hybrid tech, it will be placed in the upper tax bracket.
4×4: The Jimny in terms of Compact SUVs has no competition thanks to its lifestyle vehicle-like appeal. It will virtually be the only CSUV to feature a full 4×4 system creating a niche for itself. However it will have to rub shoulders with segment leader Mahindra Thar which has been one a wild run in terms of sales. Under that new body, Jimny will feature a ladder frame chassis, three-link rigid axle coil spring suspension and four-wheel drive.
Powaa: The Jimny will be powered by the familiar K15B 1.5L petrol motor equipped with the Maruti 12V SHVS mild-hybrid system. The engine is not class leading but has decent figures in the form of 102hp of power and 138Nm of peak torque. A 5 speed manual transmission and 4 speed torque converters will be on offer as transmission options.
Pricing: The Jimny being a bit of a niche product will demand a premium over the traditional Compact SUV. However, with it you will get 4×4, exclusivity and a really really cool car.
The Jimny has been a long time coming, with MS even using their factory in India to manufacture them. Only LHD models however were being produced here in 3 door spec. Until a few months back when RHD 3 door production was also started. This opens the window to a possible launch of the 3 door model to be sold in India.
Written by Aakash Kalro.
