Maruti Suzuki Jimny Receives Good Feedback, But Faces New Hurdles

Maruti Suzuki is currently analyzing if the Jimny can be launched in India. Despite manufacturing the three-door version here in its Gurugram plant, the five-door version will launch here.

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny was first showcased at the 2020 Indian Auto Expo with quite an anticipation. The model that was showcased was the three-door version, but the Indian market will see the five-door version, instead. However, it has been two years without a word about its launch, until now. Maruti Suzuki is currently analyzing its customer feedback. The Company wants to strengthen its SUV portfolio with Jimny. So, logistical issues and sales volume also needs to be addressed and fixed.

In a recent interview with PTI, Shashank Srivastava, the Senior Executive Director of Sales and Marketing at Maruti Suzuki India, told that We have collected some very good feedback from the customers. We are studying this feedback and we will definitely see if we can introduce the product here." Mr. Srivastava further explained how low sales volumes might be a concern with the Jimny, but that can also work in its favour to uplift its image. The volumes are less but such vehicles lift the image of an OEM. At the same time, it also helps support many customer aspirations," Srivastava said.

The Coronavirus pandemic has affected most automotive manufacturers, due to which production has been delayed for many car models. On the other hand, Maruti-Suzukis market share in the mid-SUV segment has also dipped quite low at 13-14%, compared to its rivals. And though the lifestyle SUV segment does have its niche customer base, its still there. With that limited market, will Jimny be able to give the boost, and cement the position of MSI in the SUV segment? That remains to be seen until its launch in India.

The five-door Jimny will be less than 4 meters in length and at the same have a wheelbase that is longer than the Vitara Brezza (or just the Brezza, read here).  It will also get a mild-hybrid powertrain, wherein the same setup is also available with the Vitara Brezza, Ciaz, Ertiga, and the S-Cross. Under the hood, of the Jimny will be the familiar 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with a 12V SHVS mild-hybrid system. The power output is rated at 102 bhp and 138 Nm of torque, while transmission options will either be a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

Also Read: 10 Upcoming SUVs in India in 2022 - New Gen Brezza to New Gen Tucson

Currently, the three-door version of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is manufactured at the carmakers Gurugram plant. It is exported to the Middle East and Africa. However, it is also rumoured that a 3-door version with a right-hand drive is being manufactured. So, Maruti-Suzuki might also launch the three-door Jimny as well in India. But all that remains to be seen is when.

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