Complete Guide to Buying a Maruti Suzuki Jimny

With monotonous SUVs dominating the Indian car market, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny stands out as a breath of fresh air. From its captivating retro design to its impressive performance, this compact SUV is making the dreams of many off-road SUV enthusiasts come true. 

While its three-door avatar is a smashing hit in international markets for its exuberant design and off-roading prowess, Maruti Suzuki modified the Jimny for its launch in India. The “Indian” five-door Jimny is exactly the same as the three-door version, ready to meet your needs for both daily use and longer journeys.

If you’re considering buying a Maruti Suzuki Jimny, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and get the most out of your purchase. 

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Specifications

Why You Should Consider the Maruti Suzuki Jimny

The country’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has used all the weapons in its arsenal with the likes of the Brezza and Fronx to win the SUV battle at home. But it is the Jimny that is carrying the overwhelming weight of the expectations of off-road SUV enthusiasts because it is the only true-blooded SUV in its segment and one that would instantly connect with fans of the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha.

Classic Design and Surprising Versatility

It takes only one glance at the Maruti Suzuki Jimny to make you fall in love with its charismatic, boxy retro design. The new 5-door Jimny does a fine job blending classic styling cues with eye-catching modern elements. The round headlights, five-slat grille, and turn indicators pay homage to its 3-door cousin while exuding plenty of contemporary character. On account of the wheelbase, this 5-door version is longer than the three-door model sold abroad, lengthened by 340mm to enhance rear passenger space and accommodate rear doors.

The Jimny, although compact as compared to its competitors in this segment, exhibits an undeniable charm, allowing it to manoeuvre through tight city streets with ease. Equipped with a robust four-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance of 210mm, the Jimny effortlessly handles rocky and narrow trails, steep inclines, and challenging terrains with confidence and ease. Whether it’s snow, mud, or slippery slopes, the Jimny’s body-on-frame construction feels rugged and unbreakable, which lets you enjoy pushing it without feeling sorry or guilty about it.

Premium-feel on the Inside and Comfy Cabin

Step inside the Jimny, and you’ll find a rugged and functional interior, just like its exterior. Not only is it well built and solid, but the intelligent layout makes the most of every inch. Every control and switch, intuitively placed, ensures that everything you need is within easy reach. Soft-touch surfaces, durable upholstery, and tasteful accents provide a sense of quality that belies its compact stature.

From the analogue instrument cluster, inspired by the Gypsy, to the climate control and the toggle buttons, you’ll see a harmony between old-school and modern elements that perfectly fit the overall theme of the Jimny.

For the compact SUV that the Jimny is, the rear seat space is surprisingly good! The softer cushioning and adjustable back seats to a reclining angle of two settings will make any road trip comfortable. While there is good leg, knee, foot, and headroom for an average-sized adult, the high and commanding driving position provides excellent visibility, allowing you to survey the road ahead with confidence.

Peppy Performance and Good Fuel Efficiency

Due to the lightweight chassis and compact dimensions, Jimny’s on-road performance is quite impressive. This compact SUV is a true example of proving that size doesn’t matter when it comes to unleashing power and capability on the road. The amazing combination of the K15B petrol engine and the manual gearbox creates an exhilarating driving experience that only true adventurers will understand. It is a master of off-road terrain whose engaging driving dynamics will never fail to put a smile on your face.

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door boasts a fuel efficiency rating of over 16 km/l for its manual and automatic transmission variants. Although it may not be as striking as some of Maruti Suzuki’s other models, the Jimny 5 door surpasses its competitors, such as the Thar turbo petrol variant,  in terms of real-world fuel efficiency.

Why You Should Not Consider the Maruti Suzuki Jimny

While the Maruti Suzuki Jimny boasts many impressive qualities, it’s important to consider all aspects before making a purchasing decision. Although the Maruti Suzuki Jimny has gained immense popularity and garnered a dedicated fan base, it’s important to take a step back and consider some valid reasons why this compact SUV may not be the right fit for everyone.

Absence of Diesel Engine

There is no denying the impressive abilities and features of the Jimny; however, the lack of a diesel engine variant can be a major drawback. Diesel power remains unrivalled, particularly in the realm of SUVs. Car enthusiasts often prioritise diesel engines for their exceptional torque, which enables superior performance in low-traction areas. For individuals who frequently embark on long journeys or engage in frequent highway driving, a diesel engine often offers excellent cruising capabilities. By not offering a diesel engine variant, the Jimny might inadvertently alienate this niche market segment, potentially pushing diesel enthusiasts to explore other options that align more closely with their preferences.

Limited Boot Space

When it comes to packing for adventures or accommodating everyday cargo, Jimny’s limited boot space can pose a challenge. While its compact size contributes to its agility and manoeuvrability, it also compromises cargo capacity. If you frequently require ample storage for large items or have a family with bulky luggage, Jimny’s limited boot space of only 219 litres may not be the right option for you.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Variants and Price

Maruti offers the Jimny in two trims—Zeta and Alpha—and four variants, namely Zeta MT, Alpha MT, Zeta AT, and Alpha AT. The K15B 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes 105 PS and 1134 Nm of torque is the only available engine option with manual and AMT transmissions in both trims.

While the cheapest Jimny variant is the Zeta, which comes with a price tag of Rs. 12.74 Lakh, the most expensive variant is the Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha AT, which commands a price of Rs 14.89 Lakh and gets all the bells and whistles, including automatic headlamps, the SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system, automatic climate control, and the Arkamys sound system. 

Here’s a detailed guide to the variants of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, their prices, and the most suitable variant for your needs.

Best Maruti Suzuki Jimny Variant to Buy

Between the manual and automatic variants of Zeta and Alpha, the Zeta AT is the pick of the range for the smoothness and convenience it brings to the table. Priced at Rs 13.94 Lakh, it is a terrific car for off-road tracks. 

The Jimny Zeta AT offers a certified mileage of 16.39 km/l, making it a fuel-efficient choice. It is available in 7 attractive colours and comes equipped with a range of features, including a multi-function steering wheel, a power-adjustable exterior rearview mirror, a touch-screen infotainment system, automatic climate control, an engine start-stop button, an anti-lock braking system, alloy wheels, fog lights in the front, and power windows.

Compared with similarly priced competitor variants, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta AT offers a unique and stylish option in this price range. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact and capable SUV with modern features and a reliable brand reputation.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Warranty & Service Cost

The Jimny comes with a warranty period of 2 years or 40,000 kilometres, whichever occurs earlier. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and provides peace of mind to the owners. In terms of service costs, Maruti Suzuki offers affordable maintenance packages for the Jimny. The service intervals are typically set at every 10,000 kilometres or 12 months, whichever comes first. 

The service costs may vary depending on the specific service centre and the extent of the work required. However, Maruti Suzuki is known for its wide service network and reasonable service charges, ensuring that the overall cost of ownership for the Jimny remains affordable and accessible for customers.

Summary

Originally introduced in 1998, the Jimny has gained popularity for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. The Indian version of the Jimny features a retro-fashioned, boxy, and compact body, giving it a distinctive and appealing look. Despite its compact size, the Jimny offers good cabin space and excellent manoeuvrability, making it a versatile choice for urban commuting and outdoor adventures. 

Like every SUV out there on the market, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny comes with a few flaws. But if you can look past them, this true-blooded SUV from Maruti can be a great buy for your needs. And with this buying guide, we hope you can analyse things better and bring home the best variant of the Jimny for you.

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