After a long wait, Maruti Suzuki has finally launched the Jimny lifestyle SUV in a five-door body style in the Indian market. The SUV won’t have a direct rival in our market; however, it could challenge the likes of the Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha. The 5-door version of Mahindra’s Thar SUV is also being developed, but for now, we have compared its 3-door version with the 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny purpose-built off-roader.
Price (Ex-Showroom)
Maruti Suzuki Jimny | Mahindra Thar |
Rs 12.74 – 15.05 lakh (ex-showroom) | Diesel (RWD): Rs 10.54 – 12.04 lakh Petrol (RWD): Rs 13.49 lakh Petrol (4WD): Rs 13.87 – 16.10 lakh Diesel (4WD): Rs 14.44 – 16.78 lakh |
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is available in two trim levels – Zeta and Alpha – in manual and automatic gearbox options. The manual version is priced between Rs 12.74 lakh and Rs 13.85 lakh, while the automatic Jimny range starts at Rs 13.94 lakh and goes up to Rs 15.05 lakh.
On the other hand, the rear-wheel-drive Thar diesel is priced between Rs 10.54 lakh and Rs 12.04 lakh, while the RWD petrol model is tagged at Rs 13.49 lakh. The diesel 4×4 range starts at Rs 14.44 lakh and goes up to Rs 16.78 lakh, while the petrol 4×4 version is priced between Rs 13.87 lakh and Rs 16.10 lakh.
Dimensions
Maruti Suzuki Jimny | Mahindra Thar | |
Length | 3,985mm | 3,985mm |
Width | 1,645mm | 1,820mm |
Height | 1,720mm | 1,850mm |
Wheelbase | 2,590mm | 2,450mm |
Ground Clearance | 210mm | 226mm |
Boot Space | 208L | – |
Wheels | 15-inch alloys | 16-inch steel / 18-inch alloys |
No of Doors | 5 | 3 |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
Approach Angle | 36° | 41.8° |
Ramp breakover angle | 24° | 27° |
Departure angle | 50° | 36.8° |
Water-Wading Capacity | 300mm | 650mm |
- Both the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar have the same length, but Jimny’s wheelbase is considerably longer that should result in more pleasing legroom.
- The Mahindra SUV is wider and taller, so there may be more shoulder room and headroom. Furthermore, its added ground clearance (+16mm) and more approach (+5.8 degree), and break-over (+3 degree) angles will make it easier to handle difficult terrain.
- With the two extra doors, the Jimny offers easier access for the rear seats.
Engine Specifications
Maruti Suzuki Jimny | Mahindra Thar | |||
Engine | 1.5-litre petrol | 2-litre turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel | 2.2-litre turbo-diesel |
Max Power | 105PS | 150PS | 119PS | 130PS |
Max Torque | 134.2Nm | Up to 320Nm | 300Nm | 300Nm |
Transmission | 5-speed MT / 4-speed AT | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT |
Drivetrain | 4×4 | 4X2 / 4X4 | 4×2 | 4X4 |
– The Maruti Suzuki Jimny only comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, mated to a 4×4 drivetrain. On the other hand, Mahindra Thar gets a turbocharged petrol unit that is 45PS more powerful and up to 180Nm more torquey than the Jimny. Its automatic variant also gets the convenience of a rear-wheel-drivetrain.
– The Mahindra Thar also benefits from diesel engine options.
– Both off-roaders also receive brake locking differentials as standard.
– A mechanical locking differential is also available with the top-spec diesel Thar, making it more suitable for hard-core off-roading.
Key Features
Common | Round headlamps, touchscreen infotainment system, colour MID, fabric seats, cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, tilt adjustment for steering, hardtop roof, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, hill descent assist and more. |
What Jimny offers over the Thar | Automatic LED headlamps, headlamp washer, bigger touchscreen infotainment (9-inch), wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six airbags, push-button start-stop, rear-view camera, and near flat reclining front seats. |
What Thar offers over the Jimny | Bigger alloy wheels, roof-mounted speakers, a convertible roof option, real time adventure statistics and tyre pressure monitoring system. |