Upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5 door undergoes high altitude tests

Ahead of its global debut at Auto Expo 2023, the Jimny 5-door is being made to prove its capabilities in extreme terrains.

Published On Oct 04, 2022 05:18:00 PM

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Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door front quarter

The much-awaited Jimny 5-door will finally see the light of day in production form sometime in January next year. Slated for an Auto Expo 2022 debut, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny will be the carmaker's first ladder-frame SUV since the Gypsy.

The made-in-India Jimny has been earlier spotted testing on public roads, but this time around, the SUV has been seen undergoing high-altitude tests in Ladakh. New spy shots also show the SUV from different angles, giving us a better idea of what to expect from Maruti’s rugged SUV.

Jimny 5-door global debut in January
Will come with Suzuki All-Grip Pro AWD tech
Expected to be under four metres in length

Jimny 5-door: high altitude testing ahead of debut

Maruti Suzuki is testing the Jimny 5-door at multiple locations, and during such phases, all key parts of the vehicle are thoroughly tested as the vehicle covers long distances in extreme conditions. Various parameters like engine component temperatures, off-road gear, the temperature inside the vehicle and other smaller components are tested to perform in extreme warm or cold conditions.

The Jimny, apart from being a city SUV, is also expected to be aimed at adventure seekers, and they will seek more usability in high altitude areas where vehicles with higher ground clearance and off-road capabilities are preferred, like the Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha.

Jimny 5-door: AllGrip Pro AWD tech

AllGrip Pro is the most hardcore iteration of Suzuki’s AllGrip tech, with the other ones being AllGrip Auto and AllGrip Select. The main distinguishing feature in AllGrip Pro is the presence of a low-ratio gear that further multiplies engine torque and limits speed, and is the one best suited for off-road driving.

The driver can either select two-wheel-drive high (2H), for normal driving conditions; four-wheel-drive high (4H) for some off-road or slippery conditions; and four-wheel-drive low (4L), which is required for very tough off-road conditions like deep mud and sand or steep slopes. The Jimny with its short wheelbase and three-door body style comes with the AllGrip Pro AWD and the longer 5-door version is also expected to be equipped with the same.

Jimny 5-door: will be under four metres long

The Jimny 5-door, as we've reported earlier, will be around 3,850mm long, which means the SUV will still fall under the four-metre mark. This means the Jimny – even in its 5-door body style – will be shorter than most compact SUVs. This would make it similar in length to the Tata Punch and slightly shorter than the Citroen C3. The Jimny’s high ground clearance, SUV-like upright stance and rugged fender flares will help it stand out from other vehicles of that size.

Jimny 5-door: expected to get mild-hybrid petrol

While the Jimny 3-door, which is made in India for exports, comes with the slightly older 1.5-litre K15B engine, the Jimny 5-door that will go on sale in our market will come with the newer K15C unit along with the mild-hybrid set-up. This engine will churn out 103hp and 137Nm, similar to the unit seen powering other Maruti Suzuki models like the Ertiga, XL6, the second-gen Brezza and the recently launched Grand Vitara. Gearbox choices will include a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.

Jimny 5-door: what will it rival?

The Jimny 5-door will be a unique vehicle in India, and while it will pass the rugged SUV test, it remains to be seen at what price point Maruti Suzuki introduces the model here. We expect the Jimny to be priced between the Brezza and Grand Vitara in Maruti’s line-up.

With the Jimny 5-door, Maruti will look to target potential Mahindra Thar customers as the latter does not get the practicality of a five-door SUV as yet. Mahindra is also readying a five-door iteration of the Thar, but that will go on sale a little later.

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Would you prefer a five-door Jimny instead of a three-door Thar? Let us know in the comments section.

Also see:

Suzuki Jimny review: Turns more heads than a supercar

2022 Suzuki Jimny in India: First Impression video

Feature: A history of Suzuki and 4WD