After six months and over 6,000 kms of the Jimny on the ODO, it's time to say goodbye to a car that every single member of the Auto Today team has loved, and perhaps the first vehicle I'm really sad to see leave our garage. The Jimny joined our long-term fleet in December 2023 in Alpha MT trim, and has seen extensive use in the city, highways and mountains, and occasional off-road trips. The impact has been such that the Jimny is probably one of the best vehicles I've ever had the privilege of driving, and its appeal is so intense that I might actually buy one.
There are many reasons to love the Jimny, so let's start with its exterior. While everyday driving can make a car's looks fade over time, that's not the case with the Jimny. In a world where software, futuristic aesthetics and aerodynamics dictate the look of a car, the Jimny is a welcome respite from its decades-old boxy theme, replete with retro elements like round headlamps, bonnet, straight doors and windows.
Although, size-wise, this SUV is quite compact compared to other SUVs in the same price segment, it has a powerful stance and can go anywhere. Despite the actual dimensions, the Jimny does not lack any road presence as its tall stance and large, chunky wheel arches give it a very imposing look. Going to the Jimny every morning and watching it park itself really instills a sense of excitement in me. The only thing that otherwise looks a bit incongruous is the tyres, which could have been a bit thicker to give the Jimny that overall appeal.
Inside, the cabin has a mix of Maruti Suzuki's signature features and old-school solidity. There are hard plastic elements on the dash and the amber glow analogue dials look great in their round binnacles. There's a fair bit of tech, especially in our top-end Alpha MT, which includes a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, climate control, reversing camera, headlamp washers, but given the price, there's definitely room for adding a few more convenience features, like a height adjustable driver's seat and maybe TPMS. The seats are comfortable, but having sat in other Jimnys with aftermarket seats, Maruti could have done a better job here, especially in making them more comfortable and supportive. The front seats get by despite the lack of a central armrest, but the rear seats, which I've been told by family and friends are too upright, lack armrests, making it a pain to sit in the back of the Jimny for long periods.
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Jimny's cabin is the lack of storage space. And if there's no place to keep your expensive smartphone in the modern world, that's a drawback.
Nor are there any bottle/cupholders in the doors, which means the awkward placement of the central armrest means two things – using the cupholder to keep your phone and keys, or occasionally bumping your elbow while keeping the bottle there. The small storage under the HVAC controls is too small and can't hold much other than keys, cards or bills. But overall, I've gotten used to most of the Jimny's flaws, especially while driving in the city.
But by far, the most fun aspect of the Jimny is from behind the wheel. The 1.5-litre NA petrol is smooth, and it is paired to a 5-speed manual, and the SUV is at home in urban environments. The gearbox was sticky at first, but with regular use it became much smoother and less cumbersome to use, but that too has its own charm. Each shift feels like an event, and while the rate of acceleration might not be very high, it certainly feels fast. The clutch isn't the easiest to use in traffic, but there is an automatic option as well, but the bite point is well sorted out and is really helpful when one needs to put down torque in low-grip situations.
The steering is something that needs some learning, it's heavy and lazy but it doesn't feel too disjointed which means it's quite confidence inspiring. The Jimny's main highlight is its ride quality. It handles smoothly without much filtering through even the worst conditions we encounter on our roads.
I took the Jimny on a few inter-city trips, and on the highway, the Jimny is incredibly stable, which was a bit of a surprise. Despite its suspension that makes you move around a lot at low speeds, the car stays put in triple digits, the only thing missing here is more power and a sixth gear as the engine starts to get noisy once you start going beyond 100 kmph. Efficiency is good, but not what we expect from Maruti Suzuki. We managed to keep it above 13 kmpl most of the time, but efficiency drops off quickly when you drive the Jimny with a heavy foot.
The AllGrip Pro 4×4 is a fair bit of kit. It turns the Jimny into an all-conquering machine, especially in 4Low, where the cars just climb up the slopes. The advanced suspension system with a three-link rigid axle with coilovers at the front and rear is wonderful to experience.
Whenever a wheel is pushed upward, it is immediately pushed downward to maintain grip.
The brake is a limited slip differential, which effectively applies the brake to the wheel that loses traction, and ensures that torque is delivered to the other side. You can pester the Jimny relentlessly, and it will keep driving the way it pleases without worrying.
While the sales figures may be low by Maruti's standards, I have seen an increasing number of Jimnys on the roads, which is an indication that people are liking this unique lifestyle vehicle. The Jimny is a car that connects with the driver on an emotional level like nothing I have driven before, and for its purposes, it is nearly perfect despite its shortcomings. As a daily driver, anyone can handle the Jimny, but it will be best suited for those who already own an urban-focused vehicle.