Auto Expo 2020: Maruti Suzuki Jimny makes its India debut

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny has finally landed in India, but don't expect to see this cool compact off-roader on showroom floors anytime soon.

Maruti Suzuki surprised everyone at the Auto Expo 2020 by showcasing its compact off-roader, the Jimny, at its stall. The Jimny, which is the fourth-gen model of the iconic Gypsy, was launched in 2018 in global markets but was never considered for the Indian market. And that may continue to be the case because Maruti Suzuki says that the Jimny has been only put on display at the auto show to gauge customers' response. The company will only consider bringing it here depending on that. So, unless hardcore Gypsy fans or off-road enthusiasts in the country launch a full-fledged campaign outside the gates of Maruti Suzuki’s headquarters in India, it’s highly unlikely for you to see a Jimny in a showroom near you.

Coming to the vehicle details, the Jimny, despite its petite dimensions, isn’t a pseudo-SUV. Instead, it’s a true-blue SUV that is built on a ladder-frame construction and features 4WD along with a low-range transfer gear and 3-link rigid axle suspension. In addition to that, it has some very impressive off-road credentials – a 37-degree approach angle, a 28-degree ramp over angle, and a 49-degree departure angle. And above everything else, the Jimny looks super cool!

Inside, the Jimny has a thoroughly modern cabin, and it’s a far cry from the bare bone interior of the Gypsy. Not only does the cabin look and feel premium but also comes loaded with features, such as satellite navigation, power steering, air conditioning and heating, Bluetooth connectivity, and touchscreen infotainment.  

The Jimny comes powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is the same version of the unit that you get in the Ciaz, Ertiga, and even the recently launched Vitara Brezza facelift. The engine develops 100bhp @ 6,000 rpm and 130Nm @ rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed torque converter (automatic).

We believe the Jimny makes a lot of sense for the Indian market – it’s cool, compact, and a real SUV. Plus, while it’s expected to be a little more expensive than the Vitara Brezza, it still won’t break the bank.

However, all we can do at the moment is hope and pray that Maruti Suzuki puts it on sale here soon.

Also read, 

Auto Expo 2020: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza facelift revealed, launch in February 2020