Maruti Suzuki analysing customer feedback for Jimny

IN A recent interaction with a news agency, a top Maruti Suzuki official confirmed that the company is analyzing customer feedback for its Jimny 4x4 SUV for the Indian market. The new Jimny is said to be part of the company’s plan to strengthen its SUV portfolio in the country, which would also include an Ertiga-based three-row SUV to rival the Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari. Speculation about the Jimny launching in India has been around ever since it was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, with the 5-door model being considered for our market. However, there is no confirmation yet on the timeline for the launch.

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny being mulled for the Indian market will be a sub-4 metre SUV with dimensions similar if not identical to the model sold globally which measures 3,850mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,730mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,550mm. To put things into perspective, the Jimny is nearly as long as the Swift, but slightly shorter than the Vitara Brezza. It is likely to feature a proper 4x4 system making it a possibly more affordable alternative to the Mahindra Thar.

The Jimny will be powered by a 1.5litre K15B petrol engine that develops 102bhp and 138Nm of peak torque, coupled to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. We’ve seen this engine-gearbox combination in plenty of Maruti models including the Vitara Brezza, Ciaz, Ertiga, and the S-Cross. The use of a 1.5-litre petrol will prevent the Jimny from availing sub-4m small car price benefits, but it still might undercut rivals like the the Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha in India, although it is smaller than both those SUVs. It is already being manufactured in India but for export markets only. We will get more information on the Maruti Suzuki Jimny in the coming months.