According to the latest reports, Maruti Suzuki will finally bring in its highly-anticipated Jimny off-roader. With the off-road vehicle revived by the new Mahindra Thar, Maruti Suzuki wants in on it too. The introduction of the Jimny will strengthen the carmaker’s market presence even further.
The Jimny has a legacy of over five decades. Currently, Suzuki sells the car in 194 markets around the world. Maruti Suzuki assembles the Jimny in India as of now. The company then exports them to markets like Colombia and Peru. Exports for the Middle Eastern and African markets will also start soon.
Expected Launch & What Do We Know?
According to sources, the Jimny will finally hit the Indian roads in Q1 of 2024. Sources say that the Maruti Suzuki planned to start production of the 5-door Jimny in February 2023. However, due to the ongoing supply chain constraints, the company pushed it by a month or two. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki scheduled a pre-pilot trial for the SUV in May 2022. But again, there has been a delay. Maruti Suzuki’s pilot trial for the 5-door variant will also now happen in January 2023.
According to various sources, we know a number of things about Maruti Suzuki’s plans for the Jimny. The company plans to produce around 75000 units in the initial years. However, there has not been leadership and board approval regarding a diesel variant. Though, the company has still not completely ruled it out. Furthermore, in the first phase, the Jimny will have about 70 per cent localisation. However, the company will increase it further to keep the price in check.
Another source says that the pre-pilot trial of the Jimny will start in June-end. More than one source confirmed that the Jimny would also be available in 5-seater and 7-seater versions. Since Maruti Suzuki is known for its aggressive pricing, a 7-seater Jimny could be a game-changer at a good price point.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny – What Can We Expect?
The 5-seater variant of the Jimny will most likely be under 4-metre in length. Hence, the company will be able to price it at a lower price point than the Thar. Powering the Jimny will be a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 102 PS and 130 Nm of torque. The Jimny utilises a ladder frame chassis and uses Suzuki’s Allgrip Pro 4 wheel drive technology. Additionally, the Jimny also gets a 3-link rigid axle suspension and a low-range transfer gear.
When it arrives, it will compete with Mahindra’s Thar. The Jimny, with its 3-door and 5-door body styles and also 5-seat and 7-seat configurations, will offer a lot more flexibility.
Also Read: 2022 Maruti Suzuki Brezza revealed fully in spy shots
