One of the most anticipated hot launches of the year could be a celebration for many but a disappointment for some. The price of the Jimny starts at Rs 12.74 lakhs (ex-showroom ) for the base version Zeta trim and goes up to 15.07 lakhs (ex-showroom ) for the top-end Alpha version. Well, to me, pricing is a bit more on the higher side, especially for the top-end variant. But MS has already confirmed that Jimny is mainly catered towards enthusiasts, and with the pricing out, it is pretty clear that MS is not aiming mass-market proposition with Jimny. However, one can now get into a proper adventure trailing and have fun with its 4WD capabilities. To know how was our experience with Jimny, click on the link, or head to our official Youtube channel to check out the video.
Maruti Suzuki has built a 5-door Jimny, especially for the Indian market, but in the subsequent years, it will also export it to the markets of SAARC, Latin America, and ASEAN. MS is well aware of the SUV segment's potential in India; Shashank Shrivastava said in his interview, "Entry-SUV is a large segment as it has grown to about 25% of the market share. We see two or more segments emerging, which usually happens whenever the segment gets bigger. One is an urban, tech-oriented, feature-wanting segment, and the other is a more niche lifestyle-oriented segment". Jimny is catering to the lifestyle-oriented segment and offers a unique proposition regarding styling and mechanical capabilities.
One of the chief rivals is Mahindra Thar. In terms of dimension - Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a lot more compact than Mahindra Thar . Both have the same length at 3985mm, but Jimny being 1645mm wide and 1720mm tall, is narrower than shorter than Thar as it has 1820 mm width and 1850mm height. The wheelbase of Jimny is 100mm longer than the Thar. Both have similar lengths, but Jimny's longer wheelbase accommodates four people and gets five doors rather than 3 in Thar. The ground clearance of Jimny is 210 mm, whereas Thar has a ground clearance of 226mm. Weight is another separating factor, as the Jimny weighs around 1200kgs whereas Thar weighs around 1750kgs. The Jimny has an approach angle of 36 degrees, a departure angle of 50 degrees and a ramp break-over angle of 24 degrees. In comparison, Thar has an approach angle of 41 degrees, a departure angle of 36 degrees and a ramp break-over angle of 26 degrees. The significant advantage of Jimny over Thar is its departure angle and lower weight. However, it is a water-wading capacity that Jimny is way behind Thar. Jikmny's water-wading capacity is around 310mm, whereas Thar has 610mm.
Maruti Suzuki has used an old formula in the Jimny. They have used a K15 B-series engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed Torque Converter automatic. To know why MS is still opting for the older formula with its engine and gearbox, despite having the new turbo engine, click here. The engine produces around 103bhp of power and 134Nm of torque. Jimny gets all the off-road credibility of a low-range gearbox and brake-locking front and rear differential system. Lower weight and proper off-roading kit make it an entertaining car. On the other hand, Mahindra Thar has a fair advantage over Jimny in terms of engine, as it gets both diesel and petrol powertrain options.
The prices for Thar start at around 13.5 lakhs and go up to 16.3 lakhs. There is an affordable RWD version whose prices start at Rs 9.99 lakh. The Thar RWD variant makes more sense for someone focusing mainly on styling and the lifestyle quotient. And if you are still wondering which to pick as your next adventure commuter, stick to the TopGear India channel, as the comparison video will drop soon.
