Initial impressions of my Jimny AT: Ride quality, practicality & more

Maruti has tuned the engine and gearbox for low-end torque, making city driving smooth. But the fuel efficiency is average at best.

BHPian sunilg33 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Took delivery of my Jimny Alpha AT last week, and honestly, the experience was underwhelming compared to my previous car deliveries from other brands.

Initial Impressions (After a couple of hundred kilometres):

Positives:

• Eye-catching Design: The Jimny looks great—well-proportioned and refreshing amidst the sea of ordinary-looking cars. Even 18 months after its launch, it still turns heads. People often stop to ask about the cost and features.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: The ride is very absorbent. Small bumps and undulations are barely noticeable in the cabin, and even on rough roads, it handles itself with maturity, avoiding the harshness that throws you around.
• Great Visibility: With the bonnet edges clearly visible and an adequate seating position, the Jimny offers a commanding view of the road.
• Practical Black Bumpers: The black bumpers are a blessing—they handle minor scratches from bikes or tight traffic without stress.
• The engine and gearbox are tuned for low-end torque, making city driving smooth. The pickup is excellent up to 60 km/h, though it starts tapering off beyond that.

Negatives:

• Lacks Road Presence: Unlike the Thar, which clears the road with its imposing stance, the Jimny feels more like a small car to other drivers.
• Everyday Practicality:
  - Space is limited, both in the cabin and for storage.
  - Fuel efficiency is average at best.
  - Interiors feel plain and uninspiring.
  - Steering is heavy, and the large turning radius adds to the difficulty, especially in tight spaces.
  For me, it’s a secondary car, but for anyone considering it as their primary vehicle, I’d strongly recommend multiple test drives to assess its practicality.
• Engine Noise: The engine feels noisy when pushed even slightly. At higher speeds, it constantly feels like it’s begging for more gears.
• Safety Concerns: Safety is a significant concern for me, especially with the longitudinal engine placement, leaving minimal space for crash absorption. I sincerely hope I never have to test this aspect.

I’m planning to paint the stock grille matte black and maybe change the tyres to A/T, but don’t have major modifications in mind for now. I understand Jimny’s unique purpose and look forward to making the most of its off-road capabilities whenever the opportunity arises.

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