How does Suzuki’s most alluring Jimny perform on Indian roads? Get near and intimate with us.
The coolest, prettiest off-roader to ever enter production, if not ever. Its cube-like proportions give it a nearly perfect visual symmetry, and the flat panels and robust off-roader elements are all well placed. Also, the Jimny simply doesn’t have a bad aspect. We have to be careful not to attract a crowd as we drive by because it attracts so many admiring looks. Normally, everybody has their telephone out and is anxious to snap a picture.
I’m taking some photos of the Jimny personally, but somewhere in the back of my mind, the Mercedes G-Wagon is on my mind. The “derived” bits are immediately obvious. Regardless of what Suzuki claims, the grille and headlight combination are genuine Jeep. The Jimny, however, also possesses a unique personality and a tonne of bravado.
So why is Maruti now not eager to release such an attractive SUV in India? specially because it truely manufactures it in Gurugram and exports it to the rest of the world. Even this particular vehicle’s firewall identifying plate reads “Maruti Suzuki India”!
Suzuki Jimny: handling and riding
The ladder frame and, in particular, the stiff front axle, give the Jimny a ride that is obviously different from that of a typical Maruti. Although the ride isn’t quite as unpleasant as it would be on a Gypsy, it is still somewhat slow, especially on badly paved terrain. Additionally, the Jimny also rocks back and forth over rough terrain. As you accelerate, the ride becomes a little smoother as the extended travel suspension smooths out the road more effectively. One thing is for certain, though: Maruti will have a difficult time getting the four-door Indian version to handle and ride securely. Keep in mind that Suzuki had to make the larger wheelbase Gypsy’s track wider here in India as well; the widened vehicles received the ‘W’ suffix.
Having driven the Jimny before, I can also attest that the steering is not what you would anticipate. This is partially due to the fact that it is equipped with a recirculating ball setup rather than a rack and pinion system, and the heavy solid axle at the front also serves as a warning sign. It gets 3.9 revolutions lock to lock and requires a considerable bit of spinning, making it better suited for off-road driving (something I haven’t yet been able to do in the Jimny).
Generally speaking, this is good on a straight section of road. But when you have to swerve through traffic and the Jimny isn’t exactly nimble around curves, it may get irritating. The Jimny, in general, looks happier being driven in a more relaxed manner. There is some degree of flop, grip from the thin tyres isn’t very excellent, the sluggish steering feels out of rhythm, and there is some flop.
This actually meshes well with the available performance and engine. The employed engine is the well-known K15B, which has about 102 horsepower. The four speed automatic gearbox drains a significant amount of power, even though it is enough for the kerb weight of almost 1.2 tons. Although it works well in slow moving traffic and has decent initial reactions, the engine could need more intermediate power. This implies that in order for it to produce electricity, you must rev it vigorously. That implies that it is always exerting effort. If we acquire the same engine, the five door should reach 100 kilometres per hour in around twelve and a half seconds. Surprisingly, the brakes on this automobile also have an old-fashioned feel.
Suzuki Jimny’s Engine
The fact that it isn’t your typical Suzuki soft-roader is one of the factors. Look closely, and you’ll see that things are extremely different. The engine positioned lengthwise, or north-south, is the first hint. The SUV is constructed on a ladder frame, and the drive is then sent directly to the rear wheels. You’ll be on the right road if you think Gypsy rather than Brezza. Maruti may even refer to it as the Gypsy or Grand Gypsy.
It’s also crucial that there have a sturdy axle up front. This will allow for increased off-road articulation. When one wheel drops, the other one is pulled up because the rigid axle’s centre acts as a fulcrum. And higher traction results from that. In addition, the Jimny has low-range.
The short selector rod from the Gypsy appears to have been retained, allowing you to manually choose between “2WD-high,” “4WD-high,” and “4WD-low.” A set of differentials with mechanical locking is not what you receive. Suzuki instead makes use of an electrical traction control system that brakes sliding wheels automatically, redistributing torque to other wheels.
Where do you believe the justification for the “sub-four meter rule” comes from if it wasn’t built to comply with pocket-sized Japanese kei-car regulations? The Jimny is likewise small by design, but this international model is a little bigger. It is 3.6 meters longer than you may think, 1.6 meters wider than you might think, and 1.7 meters tall. It is called the Jimny Sierra. It does have a higher height than width. Furthermore, the Jimny three-entryway has 210mm of ground leeway, a 37deg methodology point, and predominant breakover and flight points than the Jeep Wrangler.
Features, Interior: Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Now, given the size, you could anticipate Jimny to feel uneasy and constrained. Nothing is more false than it is. The square doors are just enormous, open widely, and let you enter with ease. The vertical walls inside the cube provide the impression of space. While there isn’t quite as much room as in the Mahindra Thar, you also don’t feel as like you are sitting directly on top of the passenger.
Additionally, the boxy shapes provide good visibility. The A-pillars are substantial and give a feeling of protection, yet the view over the hood is also unfettered and there is excellent vision when driving. Even though the seats are soft and common for Suzuki vehicles, this one has greater bolstering and side support than others. It would have been much nicer with thicker padding and a larger seat.
Suzuki has also attempted to include certain design elements from the previous Jimny or Gypsy, as shown by the abundance of fake exposed nuts on the dashboard. The squared instrument panel, with separate blocks for the speedometer and tachometer, as well as the grab hold that has been firmly incorporated into the dash, make me think of the Gypsy.
There are too many recognizable Maruti components inside, as well as a lot of cheap-looking black plastic, but the Jimny also comes with big, easy-to-turn air conditioning knobs and piano-key-style controls with stylish chrome accents. I must admit that I enjoy the dash’s look and even the simple setup; it kind of seems utilitarian.
It’s also not as awful as I anticipated getting into the back. This is so that you only have to bend a little bit to enter in the front door and the front seat moves all the way forward. There is barely enough legroom in the narrow, low back seats in the back. I have room to put my feet up in front and recline the backrest. Additionally, I don’t exactly feel boxed in due to the square sides, but it is obvious that this is not the spot to unwind after a long journey.
Boot space is also constrained. However, it is versatile and has a creative design. If you wish to travel three up with some luggage, you may make a pair of cabin bags or strollers stand up in the boot with the backrests erect and the seats split 50:50. Additionally, the back seats may be folded flat to create up to 830 litres of room.
Suzuki Jimny: selling in India
It is simple to comprehend why Maruti would want to sell a five-door Jimny in India. All of these factors—space, comfort, and usefulness—are probably better. And the five doors will transform the Jimny into a vehicle that can serve as both a family vehicle and a primary off-road pleasure vehicle.
Nevertheless, it is quite unfortunate that Maruti has yet to introduce the three-door Jimny in India despite the fact that the vehicle is manufactured here. The Jimny, like the Mahindra Thar, would make for a great second, or even third car since it is quite beautiful, practical, and useable on a daily basis, especially if you don’t need to utilize the back seats all the time. In fact, it is so appealing that it could even outsell the five door. That might be the reason it hasn’t gone on sale yet.