Despite generating significant local excitement upon its unveiling in 2017, Maruti Suzuki opted not to introduce the 3-door Jimny to the Indian market. Instead, the company decided to focus on the development of a 5-door variant, considering it a more pragmatic choice for the Indian market.
Fast forward to the present, and Maruti Suzuki reveals that the 5-door Jimny has garnered substantial interest on the international stage, particularly in regions such as Africa and South America, as well as its home market, Japan. C V Raman, Maruti Suzuki’s Chief Technology Officer, disclosed during a media event in Delhi that “The 5-door Jimny will also find its way to Japan in the near future.”
At present, India serves as the manufacturing hub for all 5-door Jimny units, catering to both left- and right-hand drive versions. The country recently dispatched its first shipment for international export. Initially, the Indian facility was configured for the production of the 3-door Jimny. However, it has since shifted its exclusive focus to the 5-door variant. Nevertheless, Raman affirmed that the plant retains the capability to manufacture the 3-door version if required.
While the Jimny is poised to make its debut in Japan, notably at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, its return to the European market, whether in the 3-door or 5-door configuration, is improbable due to the stringent emissions regulations enforced in the EU.