Maruti Suzuki Jimny created a lot of hype when it was showcased at the Auto Expo 2020. Now, the manufacturer is working on introducing a 5-door version of the SUV for the Indian market because the three-door model was considered too impractical for the Indian market. The new model was spotted recently in Europe and now official details about the SUV have been leaked online.
The document that has been leaked clearly states that the long-wheelbase version Jimny will have larger dimensions. To be precise, the 5-door Jimny will measure 3,850 mm in length. When compared the three-door Jimny measures 3,550 mm and the Mahindra Thar measures 3,985 mm. The width will stay the same as the three-door Jimny, measuring at 1,645 mm. The Mahindra Thar measures 1,855 mm. The height and the ground clearance also stays the same at 1,730 mm and 210 mm. When compared the Thar’s height is 1,844 mm and ground clearance is rated at 226 mm.
Then there is the biggest difference, the wheelbase. The three-door Jimny’s wheelbase measures 2,250 mm whereas the five-door measures 2,550 mm. This should liberate a lot more cabin space and legroom for the rear occupants. The wheelbase of the 5-door Jimny is 100 mm longer than the Mahindra Thar which measures 2,450 mm. So, it would be interesting to see how much space does that additional 100 mm of 5-door Jimny can offer when it launches.
Another thing that the document reveals is that the 5-door Jimny will be 100 kgs heavier than the three-door Jimny that weighs 1,090 kgs. Both the SUVs will be using the same set of tyres and rim sizes that measures 195/80 and the rim measures 15-inches in size.
Powering the 5-door Jimny will be the same 1.5-litre K15B naturally aspirated petrol engine. The engine produces 102 PS of max power and a peak torque output of 130 nm. It will be offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This is the same engine and transmission combo that we have seen on the Ertiga, XL6, Ciaz, S-Cross and the Vitara Brezza. However, the Jimny will come with a 4×4 powertrain while the lower variants are expected to be only front-wheel drive to save costs.
The Jimny 5 door has been codenamed YWD internally. The SUV is expected to hit the Indian market by July 2022. The manufacturer has already sent the finalized drawings and the quotation request to their suppliers.
Earlier, CV Raman, engineering head of Maruti Suzuki said that there are no reports of bringing the three-door Jimny to India. He said that they will be closely monitoring the sales and response of the Mahindra Thar and then decide if it is feasible to invest in Jimny for the Indian market. According to him the investment required for Jimny was too high and the returns were low for a three-door SUV as it is a very niche market. Now, as we know that Thar has performed extremely well in the Indian market. It is so successful that if your book is Thar now, there is a high chance that it would be delivered next year. So, it makes sense that Suzuki changed their mind and decided to invest in a Jimny with larger dimensions that will be more practical and can be sold in India.