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Replaced my Compass Petrol MT with a Maruti Jimny AT: Likes & Dislikes

9th January 2024, 18:00 by Brij Gawde

Already have an automatic Honda City for family runs and long drives. Jimny fits perfectly as a second car and the Thunder Edition discounts sealed the deal.

BHPian Catamaran recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi all,

Got delivery of my Bluish Black Alpha AT on 18th December. The delivery was a bit delayed on time, however was fully satisfied with the support provided by the sales advisor from Indus Motors.

Recently sold my Jeep Compass Petrol Manual (wonderful car, but manual gear in Kerala roads is getting more and more difficult). Already have an automatic Honda City for family runs and long drives.

Jimny fits perfectly as a second car and the Thunder Edition discounts sealed the deal.

Likes:

Go anywhere capability
Perfect size for city runs
Practicality of a compact SUV (4 doors and the boot)

Dislikes

Engine performance in highways and climbs are just adequate. You need to change your driving style to suit the car
Lack of storage space

No alternatives were considered as there are hardly any thing comparable to the Jimny, be it in India or abroad. The Thar was never in my list. I feel the Thar excels in its Macho appearance and speed, where as the Jimny for its practicality, ride and city usage. The off-road capabilities are more or less similar for both cars especially for wannabe off-roaders like me. I'm not sure if the two cars are comparable except for the 4x4 capabilities.

I got the car for 16 Lakhs on road including extended warranty and all other tings. I live in Dubai and enquired on the newly launched 5 door Jimny here. The ex showroom price was AED 90,000 (INR 20.3 Lakhs) for the top end automatic, however with a promised delivery within 8 months only. This visit to the Dubai Suzuki dealer made the decision making much easier.

Regarding the discounts, I heard two different stories. The first was the high production according to the initial hype and bookings, with many cars remaining unsold due to the booking cancellations. Second was that these cars were produced for export however got rejected due to one quality issue (not sure what it is), and Maruti decided to sell these in India at a lower price.

Driven the car for around 600kms mainly in city and from Kochi to Munnar, Thekkady and back. Enjoyed every moment. If you understand the car and its limitations, it's good fun. you only feel a bit embarrassed when some manual swift or I20s slot in their third gear and zoom past you. But then I just tell them .. You cant go anywhere near where i can. The car is pretty rare, I could not spot many Jimnys and people still turn there heads.

Mileage I noticed was between 9 to 10 on mountain roads and around 11 to 12 on normal Kerala highways and city. Not sure if it will improve post first service. Being an NRI, my running is very limited. Hence this is not much of an issue.

Fit and finish feels solid. The car is exactly of the same quality as the one I saw in Dubai, so no cost cutting compared to international versions. having driven Yeti and Compass previously in India, i do not feel the quality is much compromised, and this is a comparable car except for its engine power, at a much lower price.

Accessories fitted:

Tires changed to Yokohoma Geolander 215-75-15
New Grill
Roof Rack
Ladder
Centre arm rest
Horn
Mats
Side door cladding
Mud flaps
Fancy number charges
Total - approximate 1 lakh.

The front seat comfort is excellent. Haven't tried the back seats, so not able to comment. I find the ride quality to be supple. the port holes are not felt much. I think the ladder frame construction helps. The view from front seat is excellent. The car has absolutely no storage and this is a bit irritating. You don't know where to securely keep a bottle of water. The AC is very good and I was keeping on 26 degree throughout. The gear shifts are not felt, car is very quite at normal RPMs and gets a bit boomy above 3000RPM.

Steering feel is good with enough weight , however a bit hard on parking speeds and due to its high turning radius. Handling is good considering it's a body on frame car. All in all I'm fully satisfied with the purchase.

Few questions and my answers:

Would you recommend this as a primary car for city use - Yes (if the gas mileage is okay for you)

Would you recommend this as a primary car for highway use - Never

Would you recommend this as a primary car for mixed city / highway use - Can be, depending on your priorities. please test drive before making a decision.

Would you recommend this as a second car for mixed city and highway use - Yes (with a compromise on highway speeds)

Would you recommend this for off-road / rural use - Yes (If you are Okay with its gas mileage)

Having dreamt of owning a Gypsy from my childhood days, this was a dream come true. The price cut from Maruti made it easier. I actually test drove the car in August. With an on road price of 18 lakhs plus which I thought was a bit high on what it offered, I embraced on all its negatives to somehow make up mind that the car was no good. Now when i drive my own Jimny, it's exactly opposite of what i felt during my first drive. My advise to whoever wants to own this gem from Suzuki, this is the right time, provided you are at peace with your better half.

Some pictures from the recent Munnar Drive