Maruti Suzuki Jimny : The Maruti Suzuki Jimny has finally been launched in India and it has created a storm already. For years in India, off-road enthusiasts had admired the global Jimny from afar, as they waited for Suzuki to tailor the model to local needs.
Finally, a true successor has arrived with back-to-basics looks, pint-size dimensions, and tested 4×4 hardware: the Jimny, and it’s far more than a mere name.
Built on the chin-emphasising Jimny off-roader and available only as a five-door, this is a practical take on a lifestyle vehicle: a car with daily usability and weekend muscle. Here’s a look at what makes the Maruti Suzuki Jimny tick, and where it could still be improved.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny Design: Rugged With Purpose
To start off, the Jimny is different from the drabness that is the average urban crossover. Its design is unabashedly boxy, and that can be a good thing.
It’s a callback to those iconic old school off-roaders like the worn out Gypsy and even has vibes of the Mercedes G-Class—albeit, in a much smaller avatar.
It sports squared wheel arches, bulky bumpers, circular headlamps with LED DRLs and a broad stance, even with its small dimensions. At the front, the upright grille and black cladding make it look purposeful, go-anywhere.
The look may be too utilitarian for some, but there’s an undeniable charm to it – particularly in brighter colours like Kinetic Yellow and Sizzling Red.
Interior: Plain but Serviceable
Climb on board, though, and you’re reminded that the Jimny is a tool, first and foremost, and a toy second. The interior too, is tough and minimal, designed to take muddy boots and bumpy trails.
The dashboard is predominantly cheap-feeling hard plastic, but it feels solid, not shoddy.
The upright seating position provides a good commanding position on the road. The interior here is by no means luxurious, but you do get typically modern essentials: a big 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, climate control and steering-mounted controls.
There’s good rear legroom for two adults courtesy of the longer wheelbase of the 5-door model, but even so taller occupants may wish for a bit more under-thigh support.
The boot space is usable if lacking 208 litres with all seats up.
Performance: Made for the Wild
Power comes from a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine generating 105 PS and 134 Nm of torquem mated to a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed AT. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed torque converter auto.
Now, yes, on paper those are not numbers that are going to make your heart race. But that’s not the point.
The motor is heavily biased towards torque lower down the revs and combined with Suzuki’s 4×4 AllGrip Pro system, the Jimny is a mountain goat.
You get a low-range transfer case, 3-link rigid axle with coil springs and a light body that allows it to be extremely nimble off road, be that trails or rocks, or even slushy monsoon roads.
Highway cruising is not its strong suit — it’s buzzy at higher speeds and blank spots and overtaking need planning. But drive it off-road and it will bring a smile to your face.
Ride & Handling: Not Your Ordinary City Car
With the Jimny’s ladder-frame chassis and upright stance there’s a fair amount of body roll as you turn too.
The suspension is set up for bad roads, not good asphalt. That said, it doesn’t ride poorly —it gobbles up potholes and speed bumps.
The steering is on the light side and feels a bit numb. The trim profile is handy around town for cutting through the lanesplitting traffic, but parking can be a pain due to the turning radius and its upright body.
Pros:
Iconic, eye-catching design with true off-road heritage
Proven 4WD system with easy engagement and low-range gearing
Small and lightweight to easily fit narrow trails
Uncomplicated and practical inside
Good low end torque from a dependable engine
Maruti’s extensive service reach and networking
Cons:
No power on the highway for overtakes
Bounce ride on undulating surfaces
Interior is basic for the price
Boot space tight with all seats up
Automatic version comes with old 4-speed gearbox
Maruti Suzuki Jimny Verdict: A Small Niche SUV With Genuine Character
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny doesn’t aspire to be a mass-market SUV. It’s a focused, no-nonsense off-roader that provides something unusual in the Indian car market: genuine off-road ability in a compact package.
It’s not perfect — particularly if you do the bulk of your driving on the highway or in the city — but it does what it says it will.
If your weekends are about adventure, are trail-based or simply love old-school SUVs, the Jimny is a different, practical and genuinely amiable choice. It isn’t for everyone, but for those who get it — it’s just right.