As India’s highest-selling car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki has announced that it has greenlit the India launch for the Jimny. Since the brand showcased the mini-SUV at the 2020 Auto Expo, speculations about its launch were up in the air. According to reports, Maruti Suzuki will launch the India-spec Jimny as a 5-door but has not revealed the launch timeline.
Based on reports, the 5-door version of the Jimny SUV will sport a 300mm increase in length and wheelbase. Overall, the Jimny will measure 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width, and 1,730mm in height. With a total wheelbase of 2550mm, the SUV will have a length of under 4 meters, similar to the Swift.
Based on the dimensions, the Jimny will be slightly longer than the Vitara Brezza compact SUV sold in India. The Jimny will also be the only compact SUV from Maruti Suzuki to sport a proper 4×4 system for off-roading. In terms of design, the Jimny is a modern interpretation of the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy with LED headlights and taillights.
The SUV features a thick black front grille with 5 slots acting as air vents along with prominent bumpers. Adding to its SUV credentials are the plastic-clad wheel arches, boxy design, and a spare wheel on the tailgate. Powering the Jimny will be Maruti Suzuki’s tried and tested 1.5-litre K15B petrol motor with a 12V mild-hybrid system.
In India, Maruti Suzuki uses this engine on other models such as the Vitara Brezza, Ciaz, Ertiga, and the S-Cross. With the engine developing 102 PS and 138 Nm, the brand may offer a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. It’s important to note that once launched in India, the Jimny will not fall into the lower excise category. This is because, despite being under 4-meters in length, the SUV will use a 1.5-litre petrol motor.
Since the Jimny will feature a proper 4×4 drive system, Maruti Suzuki may price the SUV at a premium. In comparison to other compact SUVs in India, the Jimny will be a niche product. Due to its small size, the Jimny won’t have any direct rivals but will instead compete against other 4×4’s. These include the Mahindra Thar and the recently revamped Force Gurkha SUV.
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