Maruti Suzuki Jimny: The Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door continues to be one of India’s biggest automotive exports — a compact off-roader that’s won hearts across Japan, Australia, Mexico, Chile, and South Africa, but oddly, not in its home market. Known as the Jimny Nomade in Japan, this SUV has achieved massive global popularity, recently crossing 1 lakh export units since production began in 2023.
Global Phenomenon: Jimny’s International Triumph
When Suzuki launched the Jimny Nomade in Japan in April 2025, the response was nothing short of sensational. Within four days of launch, the model received over 50,000 bookings, forcing Suzuki to suspend reservations due to overwhelming demand.
- Bookings Reopened: After a long pause, Suzuki has finally reopened bookings for the Jimny Nomade, much to the relief of Japanese buyers.
- Four-Year Waiting Period: The SUV currently faces an estimated waiting period of up to four years, reflecting its cult status in Japan.
- Production in India: The 5-door Jimny is manufactured exclusively in India at Maruti Suzuki’s Gurugram plant and shipped to 100+ countries.
- Export Milestone: As of late 2025, the Jimny 5-door has surpassed 1 lakh export units, becoming Maruti’s second most exported model after the Fronx.
In Japan, the compact 4×4 is seen as an ideal blend of heritage, practicality, and off-road charm. Sold under the “Jimny Nomade” nameplate, it symbolizes rugged adventure in a country where compact cars dominate the roads.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny Design and Engineering
The 5-door Jimny extends Suzuki’s iconic off-road DNA with added practicality. It’s the first-ever 5-door configuration in the Jimny’s long history, created to attract families and urban buyers without compromising off-road performance.
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Key Design Highlights
- Classic boxy silhouette with upright proportions
- Gunmetal-finish five-slot grille with chrome accents
- Six exterior color options, including new shades like Sizzling Red Metallic and Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic
- Longer wheelbase for better stability and improved cabin space
- Flat tailgate-mounted spare wheel preserving its rugged charm
Mechanical Setup
- Engine: 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol (102 PS, 130 Nm)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD with low-range transfer gear
- Suspension: 3-link rigid axle with coil springs
- Chassis: Ladder frame – reinforced to handle extra length and weight
- Ground clearance: 210 mm
The added wheelbase improves ride comfort and high-speed stability, while maintaining the Jimny’s trademark agility on trails and rocky paths.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny Tech and Safety Upgrades
Suzuki has also modernized the Jimny Nomade with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for Japan.
Feature Highlights
- Dual Camera Brake Support (DCBS) – automatic collision mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control (in automatic variants)
- Six airbags, ESP, and Hill Hold/Descent Control
- Brake Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for extra traction
These upgrades ensure the Nomade isn’t just rugged but also safe and modern enough to meet global safety expectations.
India vs World: A Tale of Two Markets
Despite its impressive international story, the Jimny’s domestic journey in India tells a very different tale. Since its July 2023 launch, Maruti Suzuki has sold only 27,812 units — less than 30% of the total export figure.
Reasons for Low Domestic Demand
- Urban-Centric SUV Trends
Indian buyers increasingly prefer tech-laden, city-friendly crossovers like the Hyundai Creta or Tata Nexon. The Jimny’s rugged charm feels too “old-school” for the mainstream crowd. - Compact Size and Road Presence
Measuring 3,985 mm, the Jimny looks smaller than typical mid-size SUVs. Many Indian buyers equate size with value and prestige, leaving the Jimny looking modest for its price tag. - Pricing vs Perception
- Starting at ₹12.32 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s viewed as costly for a compact SUV with limited features.
- Competitors like Mahindra Thar Roxx offer bigger engines, more space, and better infotainment at similar prices.
- Fuel Efficiency Gap
- Manual: ~12.8 km/l
- Automatic: ~11.8 km/l
For Maruti buyers who expect 18+ km/l, these figures fall short.
- Niche Appeal
Its old-school 4×4 DNA appeals to enthusiasts, not the everyday family SUV customer.
Maruti Jimny vs Mahindra Thar Roxx
| Aspect | Maruti Jimny 5-Door | Mahindra Thar Roxx |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹12.32 lakh | ₹12.25 lakh |
| Engine | 1.5L NA (102 PS, 130 Nm) | 2.0L Turbo (160 PS, 330 Nm) |
| Drivetrain | Full-time 4WD | 2WD / optional 4WD |
| Gearbox | 5MT / 4AT | 6MT |
| Boot Space | 208L | 447L |
| Touchscreen | 7-inch w/ wireless CarPlay | 10.25-inch |
| Ground Clearance | 210 mm | 226 mm |
While the Thar Roxx aims at lifestyle buyers with stronger engines and premium features, the Jimny stays true to its roots — compact, mechanical, and authentic.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door stands as a symbol of India’s manufacturing prowess and Suzuki’s timeless engineering philosophy. While it hasn’t managed to spark the same excitement among Indian buyers as it has overseas, the SUV’s global success story is undeniable — with over 1 lakh units exported and a cult following in Japan under the “Jimny Nomade” nameplate. In India, its compact proportions, niche off-road focus, and modest powertrain limit its mass appeal in a market driven by size, luxury, and features. Yet globally, these very traits — simplicity, capability, and character — make it an icon among enthusiasts.
