Maruti Jimny evaluated for India launch

The Maruti Jimny is being evaluated for an India launch; the brand has confirmed an investor call. The popular Jimny SUV made its India debut for the first time at last year’s Auto Expo 2020.

1. What’s different in Maruti Jimny?

Ever since the model was showcased at the Auto Expo in February last year, there have been many reports about the Jimny India launch.

While the manufacturer has acknowledged that the Jimny is being made in India and exported overseas, Shashank Shrivastava, Executive director for Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki, also confirmed that the Jimny is being evaluated for an India launch.

“We are currently evaluating the feasibility of it being launched in the domestic market. As you may recall, we had shown this Jimny at the Auto Expo in February 2020, and we got some really nice responses. And we are currently studying the various aspects of the marketing as to when, if at all, we can launch that vehicle in India.”

2. Engine, powertrain and safety features

Powering the Jimny is Suzuki’s K15B 1.5-litre petrol engine – the same unit powers the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza face-lift, Ertiga, XL6, and Ciaz in India. A 5-speed manual and 4-speed torque convertor automatic are the gearboxes on offer abroad.

In terms of safety features, the Euro-spec Jimny gets six airbags, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a seat-belt reminder, and a lane-assist system. It has also received a 3-star crash test rating from Euro NCAP.

3. Five-door: What do we know so far?

Additionally, the standard three-door version, a made-in-India five-door Jimny, is in the works. This model will be primarily targeted at the Indian market. This version will be more empirical than the three-door and will be more favorable for family buyers. The Jimny 5-door will be no distinct from the 3-door model as far as underpinnings go. It will also be built on a ladder-frame chassis and employ a four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case.

4. Maruti Suzuki Nexa outlets to retail the Jimny

Sources tell us that the Jimny will be traded via Maruti Suzuki’s premium Nexa dealership chain. This will help bring more customers to the Nexa outlets, which haven’t seen any new products since the XL6 MPV and the face-lifted Ignis hatchback.