Introduction
Maruti Suzuki has taken a significant leap in expanding its off-road vehicle portfolio by recently introducing the India-made Suzuki Jimny XL in the thriving Australian automotive market. This strategic move comes in direct response to the remarkable success witnessed by the 5-door Mahindra Thar in the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive industry.
Suzuki Jimny Overview
The Suzuki Jimny, celebrated for its endearing appearance and robust off-road capabilities, has carved a niche as a popular choice among enthusiasts. While the 3-door variant is jointly produced in India and Japan, the exclusive manufacturing of the 5-door model in India underscores Suzuki's dedication to tailoring its offerings to diverse market demands and preferences.
Suzuki Jimny Variants in Australia
Down under, Suzuki provides a diversified lineup comprising the Jimny Lite, Jimny, and Jimny XL. The XL, positioned as the sole 5-door model, adds an extra layer of versatility to the Jimny family. Prices span a range starting at AUD 30,490 (Rs. 16.7 lakh) for the Jimny Lite MT, going up to AUD 31,990 (Rs. 17.5 lakh) for the standard Jimny MT, and reaching AUD 33,490 (Rs. 18.3 lakh) for the Jimny AT. The newly introduced Suzuki Jimny XL 5-door comes with a starting price of AUD 34,990 (Rs. 19.15 lakh) for the MT variant and AUD 36,490 (Rs. 20 lakh) for the AT variant.
Features and Popularity
The Jimny XL shares the commendable 9-inch infotainment system with its India-spec counterpart, contributing significantly to its widespread popularity in the Australian market. Since its unveiling approximately a year ago, the Jimny XL has garnered substantial attention, boasting an impressive tally of over 2,000 orders. This popularity is reflected in the current waiting period for prospective buyers, extending up to a notable 9 months for deliveries.
Differentiating Features
What sets the Jimny XL apart from its India-spec counterpart are features meticulously designed to align with Australian regulations. The model includes an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, featuring standard auto emergency braking. Noteworthy additions within the ADAS suite encompass adaptive cruise control and a dual-camera brake support system, ensuring comprehensive collision mitigation across speeds ranging from 5 km/h to 120 km/h.
Infotainment and Engine Specifications
Comparative analysis between the India-made Jimny XL and the 3-door Jimny imported from Japan reveals nuanced enhancements, particularly evident in the larger 9-inch infotainment system. This surpasses the 7-inch unit found in the Jimny Lite and Jimny (both 3-door models). It's crucial to note that the Australia-spec Jimny variants do not incorporate the Japan Domestic Market (JDM) exclusive 658cc 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Instead, all variants are equipped with the same 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine, generating 100 bhp peak power and 130 Nm peak torque. This engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Importantly, Suzuki's AllGrip Pro 4WD system is a standard feature across all variants, ensuring optimal performance across diverse terrains.