Maruti Jimny Review : Curiously enough, the advent of the Jimny into the Indian market was celebrated by SUV enthusiasts and off-roaders alike. The iconic boxy shape and rugged features often bring back memories of the old-school Gypsy. But is the Jimny well suited for off-roading? And is it truly practical for daily roads in India? Let’s find out.
Design and Road Presence
The Jimny is tall and narrow in profile, pleasantly old-fashioned in appearance. With its bold front grille, round headlamps, and chunky wheels, it claims an imposing presence on the road. Although this small SUV seems compact, it appears ready for action. The upright personality sets it apart from modern-day SUVs.
Off-Roading
That is the area where the Jimny truly excels. It comes with a 4×4 drivetrain as standard, which is rare for its category. It has a low-range gearbox to assist the car in crawling over rocks and mud and rough terrain without fuss. Also, the 210 mm ground clearance, amazing approach and departure angles, and lightweight body all make it so good for off-roading. From mountaineering trails to sloppy paths, the Jimny does it with assurance.
City and Highway Performance
Powering the Jimny is a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces approximately 105 PS and 134 Nm of torque. This engine isn’t likely to win a drag race any time soon, but its offered gearbox choices of a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed slushbox should take care of most mundane situations. City handling feels light and easy, but fully loaded, the engine feels underwhelming on the highway. The ride quality is decent, although the suspension’s on the stiffer side over bad roads and sharp bumps.
Interiors and Features
The interior of the Jimny gets a simple yet functional dashboard. It is equipped with a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, steering controls, and a decent sound system. The front has decent space, but the rear comfort and boot accommodation are limited due to compactness.
Fuel Efficiency and Pricing
In real-world conditions, the Jimny gives around 14-16 kmpl, which is fairly respectable for a 4×4 SUV. Between ₹12.7 lakh to ₹14.9 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers something unique in the compact SUV set.
Yes, the Maruti Jimny is an all-out off-roader made for Indian conditions. Although some may argue the cabin space is slightly less than desirable, and highway cruising might not be this SUV’s forte, the Jimny is the perfect choice for the adventurous type in search of a small but fully able SUV to tackle rough roads and weekend getaways.