The much-awaited 5-door version of the India-spec Maruti Suzuki Jimny has been spotted and we have pictures of the SUV on Indian soil. We can also confirm that the 5-Door Jimny model will debut at the upcoming 2023 Auto Expo in January. While the Jimny 5-door was spotted testing in Europe a few months ago, the appearance of a test mule in India suggests that the version is on its way to India.
The Jimny 3-door is already manufactured in India for the export market. To this day, the 3-door and 5-door versions of the SUV are not seen in camouflage or otherwise. The test mule also sports the typical Maruti Suzuki test number plate that can be seen in the respective test phases of other Maruti products. The heavily armoured mule may also hide Jimny's long-awaited facelift.
While no major interior changes are expected, the interior will feature new textures, more space for the second row and a larger 9-inch touchscreen, rather than Jimny's 7-inch unit currently sold in other markets. The model seen in India is a right-hand drive, not the left-hand drive version seen in Europe. Currently, the India-made Jimny is only available in left-hand drive configuration as it is only for export.
The Jimny is likely to be powered by Maruti's K15C 1.5-litre DualJet engine, which could make its debut in the five-door model. The three-door Jimny sold outside India was powered by the K15B engine, which has been replaced by the K15C in India. Transmission options may include a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
The new Jimny will be available at Maruti Suzuki NEXA dealerships and will compete with the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha, both of which will soon be available in the 5-door form. All three SUVs are expected to make their official debut next year and go on sale soon after.