Maruti Suzuki, the prominent Indian automaker, has embarked on a journey of international exports with its made-in-India Jimny 5-door, introducing the robust off-roader to global markets. This expansion encompasses regions such as the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, marking a significant leap for the iconic vehicle. Notably, India stands as the exclusive manufacturer of the Jimny 5-door in its distinctive five-door body style.
The Jimny’s Global Expedition:
The Jimny 5-door, tailored for international markets, will bear minor region-specific distinctions while preserving its core powertrain and off-road capabilities. Under the hood, this rugged, ladder-frame SUV houses a robust 1.5-liter petrol engine, complemented by a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
The journey of the Jimny 5-door commenced at the Auto Expo in January, reaching Indian showrooms in June. Maruti Suzuki had earlier set forth ambitious plans to produce over 100,000 units of this SUV, with approximately 66% allocated for domestic sales and the remaining portion designated for export.
Domestically, the Jimny 5-door has found a receptive audience, with monthly sales averaging around 3,000 units. Availability for immediate delivery varies depending on inventory and variant at select outlets.
International Debut in Japan:
Notably, the made-in-India Jimny 5-door is poised to make its international debut at the Japan Mobility Show, signifying a significant milestone for this beloved Maruti offering.
Exclusivity of the Jimny 5-Door:
While the Jimny 5-door is set to conquer various international markets, it will steer clear of European shores, at least as a passenger vehicle. The stringent European emissions regulations have posed a roadblock for the Jimny’s European aspirations, primarily due to its 1.5-liter K15B engine, which exceeds Suzuki’s fleet CO2 average beyond the EU’s prescribed limit of 95g of CO2 per kilometer.
Electrifying the Future:
In February of this year, Suzuki unveiled teasers of its forthcoming electric vehicle (EV) lineup, including the all-electric Jimny. Europe will serve as the first battleground for the Jimny EV, initially offered in the 3-door body style, with a 5-door variant anticipated later. Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to introduce its debut born-EV, the Creta-sized eVX SUV, to the Indian market in late 2024.
As the Jimny 5-door embarks on its global odyssey, it underscores the appeal of a compact, off-road champion made in India and celebrated worldwide.
