Maruti Suzuki Jimny 4x4 spotted testing in India
Maruti Suzuki seems to have started addressing the massive interest in the Indian market around the Suzuki Jimny. After its debut on Indian soil at the 2020 Auto Expo, the mini 4x4 has now been spotted undergoing testing around the Maruti Suzuki facility in Manesar, Haryana.
The version seen here is the Suzuki Jimny Sierra. The Sierra seems is a more upmarket variant of the Jimny with the most prominent additions being the plastic body cladding around the wheel wells as well as a contrasting roof. Other minor differences are a slightly tweaked bumper on the Sierra with larger skid plates. Also seen are projector headlamps, bumpers which allow for good approach/departure angles and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The Jimny has continued with its retro-themed styling with the round headlamps, vertically slatted grille and simple body panels.
Spy image source: Kar DIY
The interiors of the Jimny follow this theme too with the squarish instrument pods, the blocky centre console with the blocky instrumentation and sturdy grab handles. The Jimny is only available in three-door/four-seater guise as of now.
While there are numerous engines available with the Jimny globally, the version most likely for India will be the one powered by the 1.5-litre K15B four-cylinder petrol. This is the same unit as seen on cars like the Ciaz, Vitara Brezza and Maruti Suzuki S-Cross and in the Jimny makes 102PS and 130 Nm. The two gearbox options are a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic.
The Jimny's legendary stature comes from its off-roading capability and that has remained intact with this generation too. This fourth-gen Jimny continues with a ladder frame construction, sat on live axles at both ends. There is the AllGrip Pro 4WD system with a low range transfer case as well as a brake-based limited-slip differential. A hill-hold and hill-descent function is also available. The Jimny has a 27-degree approach, 28-degree ramp breakover and 48-degree departure angle. Ground clearance is 210mm.
There is still no confirmation on whether the Maruti Suzuki Jimny will actually be sold in India, given that this is expected to be fairly niche offering by Maruti Suzuki's standards. If the carmaker were to locally produce this in India while using it as an export hub for RHD markets, the Jimny should slot in below the new Thar in the 4x4 market in India.
-NA-
1497cc
Manual
102
130
-NA-
Starts Rs 8.39 Lakhs
1462cc
Automatic
105
138
18.55 Kmpl
