Maruti Jimny: In a segment led by lumbering high-riders with big numbers in their price tags, Maruti Suzuki has injected some fresh air with the Jimny.
Making the brand’s most affordable 4×4 even more accessible to off-road enthusiasts, this pocket-rocket off-roader has become the entry-point for off-roading for the masses in India that too with no compromises on its performance.
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Maruti Jimny Adventure that’s accessible at Rs 12.76 Lakh
The Maruti Jimny commands a starting price of Rs. 12.76 lakh for the base Zeta trim, going up to Rs. 14.96 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end Alpha Dual Tone AT variant.
This highly competitive pricing has positioned the vehicle way below its rivals in the off-road segment including the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha which makes real 4×4 capability available to budget adventure seekers.
What,” you may wonder, “is so special about this pricing announcement?” The thing is, even at these rock-bottom prices, Maruti hasn’t defiled the Jimny’s core off-roading identity.
For all the low-price considerations, the Jimny isn’t short on off-roading capability – Indian spec cars will be sold with Suzuki’s well-regarded All-Grip Pro four-wheel-drive system that includes a low-range transfer case, which isn’t even available on many more expensive cars.
True Off-Road DNA in a Small Package
The Jimny’s lineage can be traced to the iconic Gypsy, which was a cult among the off-roading community, and also a favourite for the Indian armies.
While many modern SUVs only mimic their 4X4 heritage, the Jimny is the real deal featuring a ladder-frame and rigid axle suspension with a choice of ‘allgrip’ or ALL-GRIP PRO selectable 4WD with low range transfer gear.
Rising high with a ground clearance of 210mm, this little gladiator can wade through water, scale rocky mountains, and tread over rough terrains with a breeze.
With a wheelbase of just 2590mm and an overall length of 3985mm it is far shorter than most of that opposition, which is a key benefit on tight trails where the likes of a LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol would be left floundering.
The 3-link rigid axle suspension system contributes to hardy performance off-road while helping it land haunches first when returning to reality. With hill descent control and hill hold assist, it delivers confidence to new and old offroaders alike.
Real World Power Under the Hood
Maruti Jimny Under the hood, it will have the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated K15B petrol engine that produces 103 bhp and 134 Nm of torque.
These may not appear to be earth shattering but are perfectly adequate to overcome the relatively low weight of the car.
Buyers can opt for either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox, which comes mated to the standard 4×4 system.
The manual versions return ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 16.94 km/l, while the automatic versions are rated 16.39 km/l – which are both rather good numbers for a proper four-wheel drive off-roader.
This blend of acceptable fuel economy and dependability also contributes to the low running of costs and boosts the Jimny’s overall value proposition.
Realistically Functional and Quirky Design
It’s boxy, it’s retro and in a world of rounded, smoothed-out cars, it’s a refreshing ode to its rugged forebears. Round LED headlamps, vertical slat grille, square wheel arches and spare wheel mounted on the tailgate give it a purposeful stance instead of the styling gimmickry we find in many SUV designs.
Unlike the international 3-door variant, the Indian-spec Jimny gets 5 doors which only make it more welcome and practical without losing its quirkiness.
The squared-off proportions serve to use space inordinate to its size footprint, and with flat surfaces and upright pillars, the small interior feels surprisingly open.
It is offered in 5 different colours – NEXA Blue, Pearl Arctic White, Bluish Black, Granite Gray and Sizzling Red, to suit every personality of its owner.
Those who want to look posher can go for the smart choice of dual-tome options available with a black roof.
Modern Tech in a Tough Exterior
Despite its emphasis on off-road ability and affordability, the Jimny is not short of modern creature comforts. The upto Alpha trim gets a a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and cruise control.
Safety is not sacrificed either, as the car comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard equipment.
Thanks to these up-to-date features, the Jimny is not a total compromise in terms of daily urban commuting, after all.
Inside, the design puts a focus on practicality, using durable surfaces, easy-to-clean materials, and simple controls that can even be manipulated with gloves.
The 60:40-split rear seats can be folded flat to provide an increased 208-litre luggage volume when more storage space is required.
Positioning Relative to Competitors
The nearest competitor for the Jimny is the Mahindra Thar, which is priced at Rs. 11.50 lakh for the RWD version but needs to shell out a minimum of Rs. 16.49 lakh for the 4×4.
This will make the Jimny the cheapest 4×4 car in the country! The Force Gurkha, The other hard-core off-roader, is priced at the much higher end for an automobile, at Rs. 16 lakh.
What’s also an anomaly in the small ute segment is that there is no watered-down 2WD version of the Jimny and every single Jimny leaves the showroom with proper 4WD underpinnings and a low-range transfer case.
This commitment to real off-road DNA at a competitive price has made for an enticing dark horse for adventure seekers.
The JImny will also get the support of Maruti Suzuki’s wide sales and service network all across India, something that tastes great in the mouth of a buyer purchasing a specialized off-roader.
And this extensive service network means owners can, in theory at least, get their vehicles worked on even if they’re in the back of beyond – something that might just offer a little extra peace of mind when you’re out exploring the wild.
Market Reaction and Expectations
Ever since the Jimny was first showcased, it’s become a much awaited launch for Indian customers who want something outside the realm of regular SUVs.
The combination of its unique look, true capability and value pricing has turned-on urban adventure seekers and dealers out in the heartland.
Smartly, Maruti Suzuki has positioned the Jimny as a lifestyle product, and sales enlightenment has come through the premium Nexa retail channel, which has helped to convey that it’s not just the cheapest 4×4 out there.
Exclusive variants such as the Thunder Edition or the Conqueror concept previewed at Auto Expo 2025 is a clear indication that the company wants to keep the model fresh and peppier.
and the Indian-built Jimny has been much more successful elsewhere too, being exported to countries all over the world including Japan, where it’s sold as the Jimny Nomade.
This worldwide acknowledgement is further evidence of the reliability of India’s skill in manufacturing quality off-road vehicles.
Maruti Jimny Concluding: Bringing Off-Road Fun to the Masses
The Maruti Jimny is a big move for the 4×4 culture in India because it democratizes genuine off-road potential for a wider customer base.
By providing a proper 4×4 system with low-range gear ratios starting at a price of Rs 12.76 lakh, Maruti Suzuki has succeeded in making off-roading an everyday affair.
Whereas plenty of crossovers try to look tough, the Jimny actually is low volume, with a ladder frame chassis, rigid axle suspension and proper four-wheel-drive system.
Add to the mix its modern elements and status of being the Havoline product supported by India’s biggest automotive network, and the new Apache showcases itself as an appealing package for a budget-conscious adventure enthusiast.
With fuel costs and ecological consciences sending some new car buyers towards something smaller and more economical, the diminutive Jimny presents a refreshing option to the cumbersome SUV – a reminder that no truck is no guarantee you can’t, as one literal interpretation of the Jimny’s off-road capabilities suggests, make the impossible possible.
This budget-but-capable off-roader has well and truly found its own space in the Indian marketplace, and has turned true adventure into a reality for countless folks who could once only dream of owning an actual 4×4.
