Maruti Suzuki Jimny, the small yet capable off-roader has made its way to Nepal. It is the upgraded version of the iconic Maruti Gypsy which was a favourite among off-roaders in the 1990s and 2000s.
The upgrades are quite substantial too as it drives better, has better traction and comes with modern refinement that was lacking in the old Gypsy.
The impressive off-road capabilities of the Jimny are complemented by its compact size, supported by a robust four-wheel-drive system and low-range gearing. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its remarkable adaptability for activities such as overlanding, camping, and even military use, solidifying its status as a versatile and timeless automotive choice like the Gypsy was when it hit the road in the late 1980s.
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny was recently unveiled alongside the Maruti Suzuki Fronx in Nepal. With the company building up the Jimny for the past five years, the compact off-roader has got some hype here in Nepal too.
Let us see what the little beast offers.
Specifications
| Dimensions | Length: 3,985 mm Width: 1,645 mm Height: 1,720 mm Wheelbase: 2,590 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,205 kg |
| Wheelbase | 2,590 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 210 mm |
| Engine Type | K15B 1.5-litre petrol engine with Idle Start Stop |
| Engine Displacement | 1462cc |
| Maximum Power | 104.8 ps @ 6,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 134.2 Nm @ 4,000 rpm |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16.94 kmpl |
| Tyre Size | 195/80 R 15 |
| Brakes | Front: Disc Rear: Drum |
| Suspension | Front: 3 Link Rigid Axle Coil Spring Rear: 3 Link Rigid Axle Coil Spring |
| Chassis type | Ladder frame |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual |
| Boot Space | 211 litres |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Colours | Blue, Grey, White, Silver, Red, and Brown |
| Price | Zeta: Rs. 5,999,000 Alpha: Rs. 6,449,000 |
Design
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny still carries on the legendary boxy look with that round headlight and the small size. If you look at it, it resembles a Mercedes G Wagon thanks to the round headlamps and the front end.
Exterior
The Jimny has a boxy and small body factor like the Japanese Kei cars. Like the old Gypsy, the new version maintains the same headlight design but now features LED lights. It also includes a headlight washer positioned below the headlights, which comes in handy for cleaning off-road mud and dirt to ensure clear visibility.
The front also has optimised bumpers which are more resistant to damage and also improve off-road performance.
The roof rail on the Jimny is lightweight and made up of thin metal. It has drip rails along the sides which collect the rainwater and drop it from the front. It might be a small feature but is very useful for not letting the water slide through the windows for a clear view.
It retains the clamshell bonnet from the previous generation, offering easy engine access and enhanced damage resistance through its unique two-piece design. This feature not only facilitates engine maintenance but also contributes to the vehicle’s robust off-road aesthetic.
The Gunmetal Grey Grille with Chrome Plating on the Maruti Suzuki Jimny gives it a more rugged and outdoorsy appearance.
It also has new alloy wheels which adds to the sporty feature it carries. It also helps in the rigidness of the tyres on rusty tracks.
The Jimny we are getting in Nepal is a 5-door version which is bigger than the 3-door version.
Interior
The interior of the Jimny is modern with the addition of the new 9-inch infotainment display called the Smartplay Pro+ in the Alpha variant and a 7-inch infotainment display called the Smartplay Pro in the Zeta variant. It is in the centre of the dashboard and supports both the wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
The cabin has a sporty look with scratch-resistant surface which is basically made up of hard plastic. The seats are comfortable and supportive. The front seats are well-bolstered, while the surprisingly spacious rear seats offer ample room despite the car’s compact size. These rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area.
The storage space is okay with the availability of a glove box, a compact centre console with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Climate control is handled by the physical buttons just below the infotainment display.
It has a boot space of about 211 litres. However, when the rear seats are folded, the boot space is 332 litres. The interior design is simplistic like most off-road cars which are made to survive difficult and harsh terrains.
Performance
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny has a 1.5-litre K1 petrol engine. The engine has a displacement of 1,462 cc and 4 cylinders giving out 104.8 ps of power at 6,000 rpm and 134.2 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This helps it move well and saves fuel, giving around 16.94 km per litre.
The tires are of size 195/80 R 15 and the brakes include discs in the front and drums in the rear. The suspension is 3 link rigid axle coil spring on both the front and the back which is designed to handle different types of roads.
The ladder frame chassis makes it sturdy for tougher terrain. The 5-speed manual transmission gives you control over the gears.
It has an approach angle of 36 degrees, a departure angle of 47 degrees and a ramp brake-over angle of 24 degrees.
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny has a feature called the ALLGRIP PRO system which is a four-wheel drive system that gives the Jimny impressive off-road capabilities. The system has a low-range transfer gear that allows for more torque and traction on difficult terrain, making it easy for the Jimny to climb steep hills, traverse mud and snow, cross rivers, and drive over rocks and other obstacles.
The 4L mode provides even more control and power for the most challenging off-road conditions, making the Jimny a capable and confident off-roader, even for inexperienced drivers.
Safety
Safety is also a priority for the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and has ample of them for a safe ride. It also has an overall NCAP rating of 3 stars.
It also includes hill hold assist which on steep roads prevents rollback, making uphill starts smooth and confident.
The hill hold assist can be activated with a button press and navigate downhill slopes at a controlled speed for added safety.
The brake LSD feature on the Jimny helps to improve the car’s traction and handling on slippery surfaces. The BLSD system works by automatically applying the brakes to the wheel that is losing traction, which helps to redistribute torque to the wheel that has more traction. This prevents the car from spinning out or losing control, and it makes it easier to drive on slippery surfaces.
Further for more safety it has six airbags to ensure comprehensive protection, allowing you to enjoy the ride while staying secure.
Features
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny has some noticeable features which are listed below:
- 1.5-litre K15 B petrol engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- ALLGRIP PRO four-wheel drive system
- Brake LSD system
- High ground clearance of 210mm
- Short overhangs
- Drip rail
- Optimized Bumpers
- Gunmetal Grey Grille with Chrome Plating
- Clamshell bonnet
- Simple Interior
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny offers a stylish choice of colours including Blue, Grey, White, Silver, Red, and Brown.
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny comes in two variants in Nepal – the Zeta priced at Rs. 5,999,000 and the Alpha at Rs. 6,449,000, catering to various preferences and budgets.
