If you’ve ever looked at an SUV and thought, “Yeah, but can it actually go off-road?”, the Maruti Jimny is here to shut that question down. This little box on wheels might look cute, but it’s built like a tank and laughs in the face of potholes, rocks, and muddy trails. And the best part? It’s just as happy crawling through city traffic as it is climbing a mountain.
Why the Jimny is Basically a Goat in SUV Form
Under the hood, you’ve got a 1.5L petrol engine (103bhp) that’s not winning any drag races, but it’s got enough grunt to get you up a steep hill without breaking a sweat. You can pick between a 5-speed manual (a bit notchy, but gets the job done) or a 4-speed auto (old-school but reliable).
But the real magic? The ALLGRIP PRO 4WD system—fancy words for “this thing goes anywhere.” Flip a switch, and you’re in 4WD mode, ready to tackle slush, sand, or sketchy dirt roads. There’s even a low-range gear for when things get really gnarly. Plus, with 210mm of ground clearance and angles that let it crawl over rocks without scraping its belly, the Jimny is basically a mountain goat in car form.
Looks Like a Toy, Drives Like a Champ
Let’s be real—the Jimny’s boxy shape is adorable. It’s like a mini G-Wagon that doesn’t cost a kidney. The 5-door version makes it way more practical (no more squeezing friends into the back like sardines), and the interior is simple but solid. The top Alpha trim even gets a 9-inch touchscreen (because even off-roaders need Spotify).
Ride quality? Surprisingly decent! It’s not a luxury SUV, but it handles bumps way better than you’d expect from something this rugged. That said, on smooth highways, it feels a bit… bouncy. And the steering? Let’s just say it’s relaxed—great for trails, not so great if you’re trying to lane-change like a boss.
Mileage? Not Bad. Reliability? Maruti’s Got Your Back.
The Jimny sips fuel at around 15kmpl in real-world driving—not amazing, but not terrible for a proper 4×4. And since it’s a Maruti, you know parts are cheap and every mechanic in India knows how to fix it.
Price? Well… It’s a Love Story
Yeah, the Jimny isn’t the cheapest SUV out there, but it’s one of the few that can actually go off-road without crying. Prices recently went up a tiny bit (thanks, inflation), but Maruti’s been throwing discounts here and there, so keep an eye out.
Final Verdict: For the Adventurous (or Just the Cool)
If you want a real SUV that won’t embarrass itself the second the road ends, the Jimny is it. It’s not perfect—highway driving could be better, and the gearbox feels a bit 2005—but when you’re climbing a rocky trail or splashing through a river, you won’t care.
So, if you’re the kind of person who sees a dirt path and thinks “I wonder where that goes…”, the Jimny might just be your new best friend.
