[Fuldagap]

Originally Posted by sunbaj

Not sure what the designers were thinking when they designed Jimmy. It is not at all appealing to me.

To me Jimmy is more like a malnourished Thar.

In no way does it look like an off-roading machine.

Except for the fact that Jimny's design, off roading prowess and heritage goes as back as to late '60s, when Suzuki had acquired the product from the original company. It is a hardcore utilitarian vehicle that appeals mostly to purists. It isn't meant for show sha.

To a farmer his buffalo also looks beautiful. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder in other words. To Thar lovers it is a great way to let some steam off comparing the two now and then I reckon. But it doesn't serve any other practical purpose comparing them with each other. The engines are from different class, power and torque is way different, not to mention the size and weight of the two. Thar weighs atleast 500 Kg more than the Jimny. The Jimny has been associated for decades with the wild terrains throughout the world, earning it the Mountain Goat badge. The people adorning the uniform still vouch for a battered but working Gypsy than to board any other vehicle, especially for incidents/conditions that require expert driving.

It would be injustice to even compare a Thar with a Gurkha IMHO. Both are different beasts. Gurkha has a tractor like massive pull while the Thar is great for highways to put simply.
In the erstwhile Gypsy era there were just two 4x4's capable enough to go anywhere anytime. One was the old Pajero and the other was the Gypsy itself. The Gypsy still had the edge due to its light weight, proven transmission, simplistic design and a simple yet great engine. Off the tarmac there is nothing that comes close to it, absolutely nothing. Unless one can lay his hands on G wagons/RRs or the likes.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by Vinod_nair

IMHO Maruti is already making the 3 door for exports, with a better engine and transmission.

All they need to do is, plonk the slouch engine and transmission from the 5 doors, and market it in Arena showrooms. Starting under 9L.

And they will have a winner.

The 3 door Jimny has the same 1.5 naturally aspirated engine in the same state of tune and the AT is the same 4 speed gear box with Low range.
The 5 door Jimny is also exported from India with the same engine and gearbox and Low range.

The Jimny will only appeal to some people. The Thar has a much broader based appeal. Some few tens of people will continue to buy the Jimny. Many many thousands of people will buy the Thar. Yes the Thar is much more successful in sales.

I think more than enough has been said about Thar vs Jimny. No point going on poking this subject and making these comparisons.

Both products will co-exist until Maruti decides one day, to pull the Jimny Plug like they did in the case of the Kizashi and S Cross 1.6.

It would be nice if we collectively respected the choices people make.

I speak as an owner of a Thar and a Gypsy at the present moment.

[Chetan_Rao]

Perspective, is often observer-relative.

Parking lot conversation this morning:

'Cute car.'

'Yeah.'

'Flop no? Sold only 163 in Jan, I heard.'

<+1 Rushlane, for viral reporting>

'I can only afford one anyway.'

'Thar sells a lot.'

'Yeah, saw a modified black one the other day. Sexy!'

'Then why buy this?'

'Wanted it.'

'But flop no?'

'My previous car sold 250, T-O-T-A-L.'

'You'll lose resale.'

'Keeper.'

<compute.exe has failed, needs to shut down>
<shuffling away noises>

'Uncle, can I sit in the red Jimny?'

'Sure, hop in!'

'Can I honk?'

'Go for it!'

*beep beep*

<Broad smiles; One kid aged probably 4, another pushing 40>

Perspective. Observer-relative.

[NPV]

I had the opportunity of driving a friend’s Jimny this morning and I must say it was impressive. Decent steering feedback (feels a bit heavy which was to my liking). The car feels planted and is confidence inspiring to drive around.

As long as one doesn’t compare this product with others in the market, it is great for what it offers and is a niche product (any comparison with Thar etc would be apples vs oranges comparison in my opinion).

Found the vehicle to be very refined, punchy upto 80kmph and can do triple digit speeds albeit with higher rpm and tad noisy given the 4 speed auto transmission, but that doesn’t take away anything from this cute little monster that can go anywhere without needing to be handled with excessive care. It just eats up all kinds of treacherous city roads (bumpy, muddy, pothole ridden, flyover expansion joints etc) as well as good highway tarmac with consummate ease.

I think there will definitely be a market for this product from a section of buyers who clearly know what they want and can live with features on offer, though numbers may not be as high as Maruti estimated/expected.

And yes, one can keep nitpicking (without any meaningful outcomes) which is an endless human trait

[Pancham]

I love driving to the mountains and exploring off-beat routes and I know Jimny is THE CAR for all my dreamy adventures. My plan is to buy one as soon as I get the opportunity (right now the Compass is doing more than enough and there is not need for another car so I am holding back) and never sell it. Never ever. I know my Compass 4x4 will not last that long (it will only get more expensive to maintain as it ages) so eventually I will have to sell it - but would love to keep this mountain goat in my garage for those care-free trips.

P.S: For what it offers and looking at how expensive cars have become, the Jimny is VFM (my personal view).

[vivekgk]

Originally Posted by Vinod_nair

IMHO Maruti is already making the 3 door for exports, with a better engine and transmission.

The Global Jimny 3 door has been made in India since 2021, when it was launched. Which is why I said that all Suzuki had to do was officially launch it in India. they already have the supply chain for the 5 door in place, and there is very little difference between the Global 3 door Jimny and the 5 door we have here. IMHO, they should have launched the Jimny 3 door here at launch itself.

You're mistaken about the engine though. 3 door doesn't get a better engine. The Jimny is only sold with the same K15B and 5M/4AT transmission globally. Only the Kei class Jimny sold in Japan gets the tiny 3 cyl turbo petrol, which is actually less powerful.

However, owing to the lower weight (around 75 kg less), the 3 door should have a slightly better power to weight ratio. But most importantly, it would be much more proportionate to look at (not everyone loves the daschund look), more easy to drive in the city, and much more capable off-road. There's a reason off-roaders love their SWB jeeps.

Originally Posted by ashlil

Story of Jimny in India :

This made my day!!!

Regarding the huge lead the Thar holds in sales, I think that a good portion of those sales are from the RWD model. It really makes sense if you just want a cool looking city Jeep, and the pricing is OK when you consider that it is a lifestyle vehicle. As it stands, the Thar RWD diesel costs about 13.7 lacs here, while the Jimny costs 15.6 lacs. Prices are for the lowest variants.

Sure, the Jimny is unbeatable off-road, but you buy the RWD Thar for the coolness, and the toughness. And the diesel beats the Jimny in KPH and KPL, while the petrol Thar feels like a muscle car. It is also extensively moddable, and it helps that it looks like a Jeep that costs 4-5 times as much.

In defence of the Jimny, it would be a proper 4WD, and has the coupe coolness and an undeniable cuteness going for it. And the modding potential, Oh my...

So who is buying the 5 door Jimny now? Enthusiasts who have long wanted a true-blue successor to the Gypsy. For some, the 5 doors are a compromise, and for others, it's a bonus. Bring in the 3 door model as well, and you convert a good portion of the fence sitters who think the 5 door is a compromise, and want the OG Jimny. There is also a long line of guys who have grown up seeing SWB jeeps, like me, who want to own a modern version, with modern reliable mechanicals and basic-ish comforts, like AC and AT. I'd even add a portion of those who are buying the 4WD Thar to that list.

Just do it Suzuki, and do yourself a favour.

[GT145]

Originally Posted by 993turbo

The "Jimny-or-bust" category, who are the hardcore fans

Originally Posted by 993turbo

Naturally, this category is small and are no longer going to contribute to future sales.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel this category might have contributed 25% or more of the total sale till now and that's why the sales have gone for a dip now.

I just had a look in Olx for used Jimny's in Kerala and I found only 3 of them and rest of the ad's are basically from the Maruti dealers, considering how people are comparing it with Thar I was expecting more of them. It appears most of the people who bought (knowing what Jimny is capable) one is going to keep it for a long time.

Honestly, I'm one who never wanted Jimny to sell in numbers, because in my mind it's going to put Jimny into that exclusive category.

[vprao]

Here's what exactly went through my mind after the launch of Jimny...

The looks of Jimny was a total let down for me. No matter how hard I tried to ignore it the disproportionate body and it's tyres seem to bother my engineer's eyes every now and then. My wife sarcastically told me it looks like a mini Force tempo trax. Booking cancelled without a test drive.

Couple of months down the line, I thought again. Ok, I'm willing to sacrifice looks. Let's see if it has some character to it. I'm seeing couple of them on the road. There must be something to it. Took a test ride. Disappointed again!

* Claustrophobic interior
* Lack-lustre and noisy engine
* Low seating (compared to Thar and Jeeps in general, and I guess Gypsy too)
* Not that great mileage (compared to Suzuki standards)
* Rikshaw like rear seats without any underthigh supports
* Massive turning radius

The only good thing was the ride quality. But then I could buy a rear wheel drive SUV for that matter with good road manners.

And what about the off roading abilities? Even though I need a 4WD vehicle, hardcore off roading really wasn't my priority as I had satisfied all my off road cravings with my Thar.

I have been driving the Thar since almost 3 years and had driven the Gypsy in my 20s. Gypsy had plenty of character and was a head turner then and even now. The Thar no doubt is a head Turner in every aspect. But then again, looks are short lived. Character stays. The Thar gives me a huge feel good factor everytime I'm behind it's wheels. The high seating, massive wheels, massive power and insane off roading abilities never fail to impress me. Yes it's bumpy but then I was always expecting it and I've come to terms with it. C'mon, It's a Jeep, on steroids.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by vprao

* Low seating (compared to Thar and Jeeps in general, and I guess Gypsy too)

The only good thing was the ride quality.

And what about the off roading abilities? .

Clearly there seem to be two camps and never the twain shall meet. As has been oft-repeated the Jimny is not for everyone.

The Jimny’s Seating position in the front seat
is not lower than the Gypsy. It is more or less the same for a tall person. I have a Gypsy and a Thar and I keep going to fiddle with the Jimny very regularly at the dealership nearby and have compared these three vehicles many times.

Only a person who has experienced a proper stock Gypsy will appreciate the following statement (as I am sure you too will, as the former owner of a Gypsy); The stock Gypsy with OEM tyres actually has a distinctly superior ride to the Thar. This holds true even when I compare my own Thar which has upgraded AVO suspension and runs on a lowered Tyre pressure of 28 PSI, with my own stock Gypsy with its OEM suspension and cross ply tyres.

The Jimny’s suspension and ride is extremely well tuned and with its high side-walled OEM tyres, is very comfortable over almost all surfaces.

Regarding off roading abilities, there is more than enough evidence of the Jimny’s prowess. No need to repeat it all over again here.

However, if the main forces driving the decision are ‘Raw Brute Power’ and Big Butch Looks’ and ‘Size’ and ‘Presence’ and ‘Diesel’ and ‘Jeep Derived’ appearance etc, then the diminutive Jimny is no match for the Thar.

The Thar and Jimny each have a distinct identity. They are as chalk and cheese. And each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

The Jimny is, to many people, a modern Gypsy with all the creature comforts that consumers badly wanted but which the Gypsy lacked.

We will all end up making our choices as per what we want most. Some few lucky folk may end up owning both the Thar and the Jimny or maybe all Three, the Gypsy, Thar and Jimny.

I can say one thing. Had the Jimny come to India around the same time as the Thar did, I personally would never have bought the Thar.

As it stands, I am actually selling my Thar shortly and going for an EV first (because I want to sample that world at long last).

But I am keeping my Gypsy for now. I do want a Jimny. Very badly indeed. But the sentimental value of the Gypsy is too much to think of letting it go just now, as it inevitably has to, in order to make way for the Jimny.

Perhaps I will bite that bullet in another 12-18-24 months.

You said ‘Looks are short-lived’ but ‘character stays’.
This holds good and always will, for all three of these; the Thar, the Jimny and the Gypsy.

[r_devakumar]

Originally Posted by vivekgk

Hopefully they will now launch the 3 door version at a lower price point. As things stand they have ZERO R&D or other expenses to do. All they would need to stock is a shorter rear prop shaft. Every other part is common to the 5 door and already in inventory. What do they have to lose other than Ego?

A 3 door would make sense for anyone who wants to get it as a 2nd car, and it would be better at off roading, have better performance due to lighter weight, better mileage and be more competitive in pricing. Not everyone want s to go off roading with their main daily driver.

I am hopping Maruti will launch the 3 door Jimny. If launched, I will sell my Thar and buy a Jimny and a pre-owned Innova. The look and turning radius of 5 door Jimny is a big let down for me personally.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by r_devakumar

I am hopping Maruti will launch the 3 door Jimny. If launched, I will sell my Thar and buy a Jimny and a pre-owned Innova. The look and turning radius of 5 door Jimny is a big let down for me personally.

There is a very low likelihood of Maruti ever taking chances launching the 3 door Jimny. Especially considering the lack of response to their 5 door launch. Maruti Management are like any GOI entity. Totally risk averse, lacking in initiative, steeped in bureaucracy and poor in marketing and reading as well as serving niche consumers.

[vprao]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

However, if the main forces driving the decision are ‘Raw Brute Power’ and Big Butch Looks’ and ‘Size’ and ‘Presence’ and ‘Diesel’ and ‘Jeep Derived’ appearance etc, then the diminutive Jimny is no match for the Thar.

I'm sorry, I somehow missed this Shankar. I think I was not clear enough on this.

While looks did influence me to a great extent, especially the Thar tyres and wheel size, that was not the sole criteria for my decision. Neither were the Raw Brute Power, Size, Diesel and Presence. Like most Gypsy fans, I had been desperately waiting for the Jimny as I too prefer a nimble and light weight off roader any day over a large, heavy and powerful off roader. That was the very reason I delayed my Thar purchase for over an year, waiting for the Jimny to be launched.

However, at the same time, I prefer the immense torque of diesel engines at low rpms. Jumping around trails and obstacles at high rpms is definitely not my cup of tea. I prefer the slow gait, like an elephant, enjoying every bit of the trail. If not for the DEF on BS6 diesels, I would have definitely gone for the Diesel Thar. However, the petrol engine of the Thar is a marvel of an engine. The low end torque figures are almost similar to a diesel engine. Only on some really steep inclines does it flater a bit till the turbo kicks in.

Now coming to the short wheel base or basically a Jeep character. I regularly go to trails and have done some unimaginable ones too. Not once have I scraped the bottom of my Thar. The short wheel base coupled with massive low end torque gives me enough time to pause and think about the right line and approach.

If Thar and Jimny were launched together, I might have gone for the Jimny due to my bias for the Gypsy. However, I'm 100% sure I would have regretted my decision later on. You see, the year I took my Thar, I did a trip to Ladakh from Mangalore. Total 7500 kms to and fro. I had so much fun that within 8 months, I did another trip to Sikkim with my wife (again 7500+ kms). Neither did I or my co-passemger experience any ergonomics related fatigue anytime whatsoever.

Now, would I have the confidence to do those trips in my Jimny? I dare not. And I'm not talking about the issues faced by Jimny owners at high passes (inuding brakes). The Thar inspite of having Turbo, did gasp for air at some places over 17000 ft.

I go with my gut feeling most of the time and I rarely regret those decisions. The moment I sat in the Jimny, I felt it was not for me. The cramped feeling, engine noise, low power, ergonomics, were more than enough for me to put off the deal. It was an instantaneous decision. No thinking involved.

Regarding suspension, I upgraded to ARC ones now and keep the rear pressure at 28 psi. I couldn't be much happier.

[pgsagar]

Originally Posted by vprao

Regarding suspension, I upgraded to ARC ones now and keep the rear pressure at 28 psi. I couldn't be much happier.

About driving at under-inflation! These days many people prefer to drive on a bit under-inflated tyres, to ease excessive body-roll and bounciness. Me, included, given the state of our roads.

But... you need two things on your side, to do that.

One, enough grunt of engine to compensate for the extra-load under-inflated tyres put on engine.

Two, enough GC to compensate for lowering of height as a result of under-inflation.

Thar has both enough grunt and GC to tide over this problem. But Jimny? Sure, it has plenty of GC but engine grunt is just not there.

This thing applies to not just SUVs but sedans, too. Sedans sit very low already, to start with. Imagine what lowering of tyre-pressure would do to its GC. Similarly, if it has weak-engine, under-inflation would render it unenjoyable.

So, the ideal car, IMO, is an SUV or cross-over with massive GC and massive engine power, to compensate for under-inflation. Then, even if you drop pressure by 4-5 psi, it will still perform well and will give you that magic carpet ride.

[vprao]

According to me, I guess one cannot set a predefined pressure on the rear. While the front has a near constant load, with engine directly over the front tyres, the rear needs to have a range of pressure depending on the passengers/luggage load. I guess to ease things and for convenience, manufacturer suggest a predefined pressure for front and rear. I guess 2-3 psi variation depending on load in the rear should suffice.

Since my rear seats in the Thar is unoccupied most of the time, I feel it can easily do away with 28 psi. I'll try 30 psi and check if that makes any noticeable difference.

Regarding GC, honestly speaking, I don't think I could notice any major drop. Maybe 10mm or so? I guess that calls for a actual measurement too.

As for power, I guess there is no way you can feel that difference in a Thar.

[Kosfactor]

Originally Posted by pgsagar

Thar has both enough grunt and GC to tide over this problem. But Jimny? Sure, it has plenty of GC but engine grunt is just not there.

This thing applies to not just SUVs but sedans, too. Sedans sit very low already, to start with. Imagine what lowering of tyre-pressure would do to its GC. Similarly, if it has weak-engine, under-inflation would render it unenjoyable.

So, the ideal car, IMO, is an SUV or cross-over with massive GC and massive engine power, to compensate for under-inflation. Then, even if you drop pressure by 4-5 psi, it will still perform well and will give you that magic carpet ride.

Jimny is designed to have a softer ride over rough terrain and this it would accomplish with factory recommended tire pressure. So even if you over inflate those tires by 5 Psi, it is not going to become a snappy handler.

Nothing good will come out of underinflating tires, accidents will surely follow when used on the roads \ highways in that manner.