For many car enthusiasts, certain vehicles transcend mere transportation – they become objects of desire, collected as scale models or adorning bedroom walls. Often, these dream machines remain just that: dreams. But sometimes, a legendary vehicle makes its way closer to reality. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny 2025 is one such car. After an agonizing wait, the time has finally come to answer the burning question: Is this iconic lifestyle and off-road vehicle truly suitable for your daily life? Join us in this comprehensive review as we uncover the strengths, quirks, and ultimate practicality of the new Jimny.
The Jimny's Genesis: A Legacy of Rugged Capability
The Jimny, with its rich heritage spanning decades, has always been synonymous with unparalleled off-road prowess. Its compact dimensions and lightweight build have made it a favorite among adventure seekers globally.
.jpg)
The transition to a five-door avatar for the Indian market, while adding to its practicality, has also sparked curiosity about its retained capabilities and urban usability. The 2025 iteration aims to bridge the gap between hardcore off-roading and everyday commuting, offering a unique proposition in the Indian automotive landscape.
Ride Comfort: A Surprising Revelation on Indian Roads
One of the biggest anxieties associated with hardcore off-road vehicles on Indian roads is their ride comfort. Often, they transmit every jolt and bump into the cabin, leading to an uncomfortable experience. With the Jimny, however, this problem is almost non-existent. While it might not offer the plushness of a regular hatchback, and you will undoubtedly feel the road surface slightly more, especially due to its ladder-frame chassis and relatively short wheelbase, the Jimny truly shines when the going gets tough.
Over larger bumps and rough patches, the Jimny delivers a remarkably smooth ride. Its suspension adeptly absorbs imperfections, ensuring that very few jerks reach the passengers. Even at higher speeds, the car remains composed, a truly commendable feat for an off-roader. This surprising level of comfort extends to its off-roading capabilities as well. When navigating challenging terrains, the Jimny doesn't toss passengers around uncomfortably. While movement within the cabin is inevitable, it never feels jarring or discomforting. Whether you intend to use it for city commutes or adventurous explorations, the Jimny will not disappoint in terms of ride comfort.
Handling and Body Roll: Composed on and Off-Road
You might assume that this comfortable ride quality comes at the expense of handling, but that's not the case. When navigating hilly terrains, like the roads around Dehradun, the Jimny instills confidence. The steering provides decent feedback, and even at slightly higher speeds around turns, body roll is managed surprisingly well, never becoming bothersome.
.jpg)
Being a ladder-frame off-road vehicle, some degree of body roll is inherent. However, during regular driving, it never feels excessive or unsettling. While the review was conducted on a course specifically designed for the Jimny, highlighting its effortless ability to conquer obstacles, its legendary capabilities stem from its compact size and lightweight nature. Even with the addition of two extra doors, the wheelbase has only increased by 340mm, and the weight by a mere 110 kg. This means it remains remarkably light and compact.
The approach and departure angles have seen a minimal change of just one degree, while the ramp-over angle has decreased by four degrees, which is a minor compromise. Crucially, the ground clearance remains an impressive 210mm, which is more than sufficient for most challenging terrains. These attributes combine to make navigating rocky paths, wading through water, ascending and descending steep inclines, and maneuvering through extremely narrow trails remarkably easy. The Jimny's 4x4 system can be engaged on the fly, and for extremely challenging situations, you can engage 4x4 Low while stationary. For situations with reduced traction, it features a brake-locking differential, and hill hold assist prevents rollback on inclines. The Jimny truly feels strong and unbreakable in these challenging environments, effortlessly navigating difficult terrain – be it snowy roads or riverbanks.
Engine Performance: Reliable, But Not Exhilarating
Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Jimny 2025 with their 1.5-liter petrol engine. However, it's the slightly older K15B engine, previously seen in the Ciaz, not the newer K15C engine found in the Grand Vitara and Brezza. The primary concern among enthusiasts was whether this engine would feel underpowered.
Fortunately, the engine is not underpowered, but it's also "definitely not exciting." In terms of city drivability, it performs quite well. Picking up speed from low RPMs and making quick overtakes in traffic are manageable. However, the peak power and torque arrive higher in the RPM range, meaning faster overtakes might require you to press the accelerator harder and wait a bit.
As mentioned, the engine isn't "exciting," which means that when you're in the mood for spirited driving, the performance might feel a bit lacking. This is particularly noticeable on highways, where you might wish for a little more power, especially when cruising. This power deficit will be even more apparent when driving in hilly areas with a full load of passengers and luggage.
City Maneuverability & Transmission Choices
The Jimny's compact size makes it exceptionally easy to drive in the city. You sit in an elevated position, offering a clear view of the bonnet, and the slim A-pillars minimize blind spots, providing excellent all-around visibility. This makes the Jimny an ideal vehicle for new drivers in the family as well.
The manual transmission, however, has a slightly heavy clutch, and the gear shifts feel somewhat hard, almost reminiscent of the older Gypsy. This might feel a bit crude by modern standards. The automatic transmission, a familiar four-speed unit, is a good companion for city commutes. Shifts are smooth, and power delivery is linear, making for a relaxed driving experience. The engine remains quiet, and apart from a slight compressor noise from the AC, there are no bothersome vibrations or noise entering the cabin. Overall, the cabin insulation is decent, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.
Boot Space and Practicality: More Than Meets the Eye
On paper, the Jimny offers 208 liters of boot space, which might not seem like much. However, the boot floor is completely flat, not very deep, and quite wide, allowing you to comfortably fit large suitcases. If you utilize the space effectively, two or three smaller bags can also fit.
.jpg)
For more space, the rear seats feature a 50:50 split-fold, expanding the cargo capacity to 332 liters, enabling you to carry a significant amount of luggage. This makes the Jimny surprisingly practical for airport or railway station pickups, or even for camping trips. For camping, a 12V socket is provided in the boot, along with a boot light. The only minor inconvenience is the hydraulic strut, which opens the boot slowly, requiring a bit of patience.
Rear Seat Comfort and Cabin Visibility
Surprisingly, the rear seats in the Jimny offer a decent level of comfort. With the front seat adjusted for a 5-foot-7-inch driver, there's ample legroom and footroom. Headroom is also good, meaning even 6-foot-tall individuals sitting in the front won't significantly compromise the space for those of similar height behind them.
.jpg)
While it's designed for three occupants, the rear bench is more comfortable for two adults, offering good shoulder room. The backrest has two recline adjustments (upper and lower), though the difference is minimal. You'll likely keep it in the lower position unless you need to create more boot space. Cabin visibility from the rear is excellent. The seats are positioned slightly higher than the front, providing a good view forward. Large windows on the side offer clear side visibility, preventing any claustrophobic feeling.
The seat cushioning is soft, ensuring comfort during city drives. For longer journeys, the under-thigh support might feel a bit lacking due to the relatively short seat base. Practicality in the rear is somewhat limited. There are no door pockets, no center armrest, and no dedicated cup holders (you'll have to share the front ones). However, the convenience of power windows on the rear doors, with controls on both the door and the front console, is a thoughtful touch.
A peculiar feature is the rear seatbelt alarm. Unlike systems with pressure sensors, this alarm continuously sounds if the seatbelt isn't buckled, even if no one is sitting in the rear. This means you'll have to keep the rear seatbelts fastened at all times to avoid the incessant beeping. Ingress and egress from the rear are easy despite the smaller door opening, thanks to the Jimny's moderate height.
Interior Design: A Blend of Old School and New School
The Jimny's cabin beautifully blends old-school charm with modern functionality. The dashboard design is directly inspired by the iconic Gypsy, featuring a rugged and solid layout. A black and white multi-information display (MID) in the center of the instrument cluster provides essential readouts.
Modernity comes in the form of a large touchscreen infotainment system, identical to those found in the Grand Vitara and Baleno. This system offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhancing connectivity. Below the touchscreen, automatic climate control knobs are encased in a rugged-looking housing, perfectly complementing the Jimny's character. Further down, you'll find physical buttons for power windows, traction control, and hill hold assist, which are satisfying to operate. The soft-touch grip handle on the passenger side adds a touch of comfort and functionality. The overall look and feel of the cabin, along with its sturdy build quality, inspire the same unbreakable confidence you get while driving it off-road.
Practicality Within the Cabin: Storage options within the cabin are a bit limited. The manual variant has a very thin tray at the front, suitable for keys or a wallet, but too small for modern smartphones. An open storage area on the dashboard is also not very practical. The best storage option for rear passengers is a pair of cup holders that are shared with the front, which might be inconvenient if you need both for beverages. Door pockets are also narrow and cannot accommodate water bottles. The glove box is of a decent size but not particularly large. The automatic variant, however, offers a more practical storage space ahead of the gear shifter.
Charging Options: Charging options are also scarce. There's only one USB socket at the front and a 12V socket. Notably, there are no USB chargers for the rear passengers, and only one 12V socket in the boot.
Camping-Specific Feature: A highly practical camping-specific feature is the ability to recline the front seats to create a proper flat bed. This is incredibly comfortable for sleeping if you're out in the wilderness with the Jimny.
Features and Customization: Striking a Balance
Maruti has struck a good balance with the Jimny's features. While you won't find overly fancy tech, convenience is not compromised. The smart key comes with request sensors for the driver, passenger, and boot. ORVMs are electrically foldable and adjustable. The black and white MID is basic but effectively conveys information. The touchscreen infotainment system offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with a four-speaker sound system, and automatic climate control is standard.
.jpg)
However, some features remain basic, such as the manually operated IRVM and a separate switch for the headlamp washer. While auto headlamps are present, the wipers are manual. Parking sensors, electronic stability program (ESP), and a rear camera contribute to safety and ease of use. The three-door Jimny received a 3.5-star crash test rating in Euro NCAP, giving a fair indication of its structural integrity.
The Jimny's standard appeal lies in its iconic, squared-off SUV design, which gets a modern touch with elements like circular LED headlamps. Its road presence has definitely improved with the five-door version, making it less comparable to small hatchbacks like the Alto K10 or Ignis and more like a compact SUV.
Finally, a major advantage of the Jimny is its immense customization potential. The aftermarket is brimming with accessories, and Maruti itself offers a wide range of official accessories. For an additional ₹60,000-₹70,000, you can transform its appearance with various styling packs.
Pricing and The Final Verdict: Is The Jimny For You?
Based on the features and market positioning, the estimated price range for the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Jimny is expected to be between ₹11 Lakh to ₹14.5 Lakh (ex-showroom). Justifying a price higher than this might be challenging.
The Jimny is fundamentally an adventure vehicle first, and a family car second. However, Maruti has done an excellent job of adapting it for city use. Its ride comfort in the city is exceptional, ensuring a hassle-free daily commute. It also offers good space for four occupants, and the boot is surprisingly practical. While there are some compromises, particularly in terms of cabin practicality and the petrol engine's performance, the Jimny's iconic looks, legendary off-road capabilities, and its ability to balance family car duties make it a compelling lifestyle vehicle for daily use.
If you're looking for a car that stands out from the crowd, can conquer challenging terrains, and still be a comfortable companion for your everyday life, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny 2025 is definitely worth considering. It's more than just a car; it's an experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Maruti Suzuki Jimny 2025
1. What is the most significant improvement in the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Jimny compared to its predecessors? The 2025 Jimny offers significantly improved ride comfort, even over rough roads, making it more suitable for everyday driving compared to typical off-road vehicles.
2. Is the 2025 Jimny a 3-door or 5-door model? The review focuses on the 5-door version of the Jimny, which has been introduced for the Indian market.
3. What is the engine type and its specifications in the Jimny 2025? The Jimny 2025 is powered by Maruti's 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine. While the specific power and torque figures are not mentioned in the transcript, it's known to be a reliable, albeit not high-performance, unit.
4. How is the Jimny's off-road capability affected by the addition of two extra doors? Despite the two extra doors, the Jimny retains its legendary off-road capabilities due to its small size, lightweight nature, impressive 210mm ground clearance, and effective approach, departure, and ramp-over angles.
5. Does the 2025 Jimny offer a 4x4 system? Yes, it features a 4x4 system that can be engaged on the fly, along with a 4x4 Low mode for extremely challenging terrains. It also includes a brake-locking differential and hill hold assist.
6. What is the boot space of the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Jimny? The Jimny offers 208 liters of boot space, which can be expanded to 332 liters with the rear seats folded in a 50:50 split. The boot floor is flat and wide.
7. How comfortable are the rear seats in the Jimny 2025? The rear seats offer decent legroom and headroom for up to two adults. The cushioning is soft, providing good comfort for city drives, though under-thigh support might be limited on longer journeys.
8. What kind of infotainment system does the Jimny 2025 have? It features a large touchscreen infotainment system, similar to those in the Grand Vitara and Baleno, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
9. Are there any unique features in the Jimny's cabin for camping or outdoor activities? Yes, the front seats can be fully reclined to create a flat bed, a practical feature for camping. There's also a 12V power socket in the boot.
10. What are the key safety features in the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Jimny? The Jimny comes with safety features like parking sensors, electronic stability program (ESP), a rear camera, and the 3-door version received a 3.5-star crash test rating in Euro NCAP. (The number of airbags is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, but modern Marutis typically come with at least 2 airbags, with higher variants offering more).
11. Is the Jimny 2025 suitable for new drivers? Yes, its compact size, elevated driving position, clear visibility, and light controls make it easy to drive, even for new drivers.
12. What are the expected price ranges for the 2025 Maruti Suzuki Jimny? The estimated price range for the 2025 Jimny is between ₹11 Lakh to ₹14.5 Lakh (ex-showroom).
.png=w72-h72-p-k-no-nu)
.jpg=w72-h72-p-k-no-nu)
.png)
.jpg)
0 Comments