Best Maruti Suzuki Jimny Variants for Off-roading Enthusiasts: An In-depth Analysis

Written By: Kshitij Bisen
Published: July 15, 2023 at 11:05 AMUpdated: Updated: July 15, 2023 at 11:05 AM
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What an Off-roading Enthusiast Looks for in a Car

Offroading enthusiasts prioritize functionality and durability in their choice of vehicles. While searching for the best off-road cars, they typically look for all-wheel or four-wheel drive (4WD or 4×4/AWD) options for superior traction on diverse terrains. Power delivery, engine responsiveness, and torque are important for overcoming obstacles. High ground clearance, substantial approach and departure angles, and differential locking are crucial for navigating tough terrains. Safety features like ABS and ESC, and assistance systems such as hill hold assist also weigh significantly in their choices.

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny, launched this year, is the long-awaited successor to the much-loved Maruti Gypsy, which had caught the nation’s attention way back in the 1980s and 1990s as a powerful off-roading SUV. So much so that over the years, it became synonymous with the Indian military and police forces. Maruti had to discontinue manufacturing the Gypsy in 2018 due to the ever-stringent emissions and crash standards.

Why Maruti Suzuki Jimny is Set to Become a Top SUV Among Off-roading Enthusiasts

Maruti Suzuki Jimny has created a buzz among offroading enthusiasts owing to its robust capabilities and compact design. Its AWD drive type is a boon for off-roaders, providing greater traction and control in challenging conditions. It can tackle both mild off-roading as well as serious off-roading challenges with ease.

With impressive ground clearance and significant approach and departure angles, it handles rough terrains or water wading with aplomb. Differential locking and low-range gearing further improve its off-roading prowess.

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Jimny’s safety features like ABS, ESC, and hill hold assist, combined with driver assistance systems, boost confidence during off-road expeditions. Furthermore, its modest price point and Maruti’s reliable after-sales service will make it an attractive choice for off-roading enthusiasts. You can also check out how the Jimny compares with Mahindra Thar as an off-roading vehicle.

Our Variants Shortlist for Maruti Suzuki Jimny

VariantPrice
Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha₹13,69,000
Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha Dual Tone₹13,85,000
Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta AT₹13,94,000
Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha AT₹14,89,000

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha: This variant, being the most affordable, offers all essential off-roading features. It provides good ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, and AWD, ensuring reliable off-road performance.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha Dual Tone: This variant, similar to the Alpha, adds aesthetic appeal with a dual-tone color scheme, while retaining all off-roading capabilities.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta AT: This variant offers an automatic torque converter transmission, providing a convenient driving experience without compromising on offroading features.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha AT: As the priciest variant, it boasts all off-roading features and an automatic transmission, combining comfort and convenience with robust performance.

Best Maruti Suzuki Jimny Variant for Off-roading Enthusiasts

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta AT stands out as the best variant for an offroading enthusiast. It encompasses all the crucial off-roading attributes of the Jimny, like AWD, high ground clearance, differential locking, and more, along with the added advantage of an automatic transmission. This feature reduces driver fatigue during long offroad expeditions, enhancing the overall off-roading experience.

The Top 3 Choices

  1. Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta AT
  2. Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha AT
  3. Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha
AttributesJimny Zeta ATJimny Alpha ATJimny Alpha
AWDYesYesYes
High Ground ClearanceYesYesYes
Differential LockingYesYesYes
ABSYesYesYes
ESCYesYesYes

The three variants above provide the perfect balance between offroading capabilities and value for money. While the Jimny Zeta AT tops the list with its automatic transmission, the Alpha AT and Alpha follow closely, offering all the essential off-roading features at competitive prices. The sturdy build, commendable offroading capabilities, and safety features of these variants make them the top choices for off-roading enthusiasts.

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