Maruti Suzuki's Jimny, introduced earlier this year, has become a notable contender in the off-roader segment. With a 1.5-liter petrol engine under the hood, it offers the choice between a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Recently, both variants were subjected to real-world performance tests to determine their respective strengths. Here's a breakdown of the results:
Powertrain Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-liter petrol
- Power: 105 PS
- Torque: 134 Nm
- Drivetrain: 4WD (Standard)
- Transmission: 5MT / 4AT
Acceleration Performance
0-100 kmph:
- Jimny Manual: 13.64 seconds
- Jimny Automatic: 15.73 seconds
Quarter Mile:
- Jimny Manual: 18.99 seconds @ 115.83 kmph
- Jimny Automatic: 19.79 seconds @ 111.82 kmph
Top Speed:
- Jimny Manual: 126.46 kmph
- Jimny Automatic: 135.86 kmph
In acceleration tests, the manual Maruti Jimny outperformed its automatic counterpart, showcasing over a 2-second advantage in the 0-100 kmph sprint. The difference in the quarter-mile run was less pronounced, with the manual variant completing the run slightly earlier at a higher speed. However, in terms of top speed, the automatic variant achieved a higher figure.
In Gear Acceleration:
- 30-80 kmph (3rd gear) - Jimny Manual: 10.27 seconds
- 40-100 kmph (4th gear) - Jimny Automatic: 19.90 seconds
Kickdown:
- 20-80 kmph - Jimny Automatic: 9.29 seconds
While no direct comparison is provided for in-gear speeds and kickdown between manual and automatic variants, it appears that the automatic variant is slightly quicker at gaining speed for overtaking maneuvers.
Braking Performance
80-0 kmph
- Jimny Manual: 43.94 metres
- Jimny Automatic: 43.99 metres
100-0 kmph
- Jimny Manual: 28.75 metres
- Jimny Automatic: 28.38 metres
In the braking tests, the difference between the two variants was negligible. Both showed similar performance, with only a few centimeters separating their stopping distances.
While the manual Jimny demonstrated superior acceleration, especially in the 0-100 kmph sprint, the automatic variant displayed competitive performance and could be considered slightly quicker in certain scenarios. The braking performance of both variants remained closely matched. The Maruti Jimny is priced between Rs 10.74 lakh and Rs 15.05 lakh (ex-showroom), with automatic variants starting from Rs 13.94 lakh (ex-showroom). Year-end discounts of up to Rs 2.21 lakh are currently available. The Jimny competes with vehicles like the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha in the subcompact off-roader segment.