Why I chose to buy the Maruti Jimny over the Ignis & MG Comet EV

I’ve heard that the Jimny isn’t ideal for those who own only one car, but I completely disagree.

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Jimny AT Alpha DT – Sizzling Red: My Story

It all began with a major problem: Bangalore traffic. Living in North Bangalore, my daily commute to the office was around 25 kilometers, with 75% of that distance navigating slow-moving metro construction zones. Although I had come to accept traffic as part of life, driving a BMW 320D on that stretch three times a week started to wear on me. Additionally, the city's unpredictable and occasional flooding made me increasingly nervous.

My second car, a Honda BRV, was mostly used by my wife. Though I could have used it, her office's return-to-work mandate meant the BRV was often unavailable when I needed it. Buying a third car seemed unnecessary, but the idea of a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle began to appeal to me. Surprisingly, after discussing it with my family, they also supported the idea, prioritizing my peace of mind.

My requirements were simple: a small, narrow, automatic car with low maintenance. My initial shortlist included the MG Comet, BYD Seagull, and Maruti Ignis. The Comet was ruled out due to its shape and the lack of DC fast charging options. The Seagull, rumored to be released soon, never materialized. Living in an apartment without a charging facility made an EV impractical. I eventually leaned towards the Ignis due to its 4-cylinder engine and peppy drive, and my family reluctantly agreed.

I visited the nearby Nexa showroom and booked an Ignis AT in Nexa Blue, expecting delivery in 10 days. However, after reading several Team-BHP reviews, I began to have second thoughts. Spending 10 lakhs on an Ignis felt off to me. The following weekend, I went to the showroom to cancel my booking. While waiting, I spent a few minutes looking at a Jimny on display. I was instantly captivated by its compactness, interiors, exteriors, and overall package.

Although I had heard Jimny sales were declining and that significant discounts were being offered, I had always associated it with the Gypsy, which my uncles used to have. I admired the Gypsy’s looks and functionality but not its ride quality. I was also considering an old Gypsy or a Mahindra jeep for estate use in my hometown, but that was a long-term plan.

A quick online search about the Jimny changed my perception of its ride quality. The dealer arranged a test drive, and I walked out of the showroom with a decision to switch my booking from the Ignis to the Jimny. I informed my sales representative that I would confirm the variant and color within a day.

The decision process was a whirlwind: from not buying a third car to booking one, canceling, and then making an impulsive choice. I felt the Jimny was a much better deal at 15 lakhs compared to the Ignis at 10 lakhs. Though I’m not an off-roader, having a 4x4 option was an added bonus. After a few hours of research (Team-BHP and YouTube), I found that the Jimny matched my requirements perfectly, except for its lack of peppiness. I also learned about the THAR but never considered it due to its size and appearance; I wanted something less intimidating.

My family was supportive of the Jimny decision, and the Alpha version had the best discounts, making it an easy choice. Although I initially considered Bluish Black or Nexa Blue, my daughters decisively chose the Red with a Black Roof.

The wait was excruciating. Initially promised delivery within two weeks, it took almost a month. I used this time to learn more about the Jimny and select the right accessories. Although I couldn’t do a pre-delivery inspection due to scheduling conflicts, there were no issues. I took delivery of the vehicle on August 12th, which was manufactured in May 2024. I’ve driven around 500 kms so far, including a trip to my hometown (Wayanad) with 50% each on highways and hill station roads. I had been avoiding the Mysore-Handpost-Bavali route for some time as I used to drive a Beamer, but this time, I took that route without a second thought. Here are some of my observations:

Ride quality is top-notch. The suspension takes care of everything.

I’ve heard that the Jimny isn’t ideal for those who own only one car, but I completely disagree.

Ideal Yoko Geolandar tyre pressure is 27 psi at the front and 29 psi at the back. My tyre dealer had put 33 on all tyres, making for a bumpy ride.

The interiors are classy and neat. There is some struggle getting used to the power window switches, but I’ll get used to it.

The boot has sufficient capacity to carry luggage for a family of four. The ability to stack vertically really helps.

Parking is so easy—it can fit into any slot.

I'm getting a mileage of 14 on the highway, 12 in the city, and 9 on hill roads. This is with wind booster on.

No storage for bottles, mobiles, wallets, add as many after market storage options as you can.

Initial pickup is slow, which can be irritating on a highway. A throttle controller is a must-add accessory.

Key Accessories Added:

• Wind Booster: A must-have upgrade for the Jimny.
• Tyres: 215/75-15 Yokohama Geolandar AT LT (white-lettered). I considered Apollo Apterra AT (225) and Continental AT (215). Limited options in Bangalore led to exchanging old tyres for 2000 per tyre.
• Grill: Replaced the chrome stock grill with a custom one. Installed it with my daughter, making it a fun, trial-and-error project.
• Seat Covers: Armoro canvas covers, installed with help from a local installer.
• Storage: Added Armoro storage around the gear lever and handlebar bag.
• Mats: GFX mats from a local dealer in Bangalore; happy with the quality.
• Armrest: Brand name forgotten; cost 6.5K, which seemed high for the product.

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