The Jimny, is quite the unique proposition. There is nothing quite like it, is there? Now you might say that the Mahindra Thar is a competitor. I agree, but I still think that it’s quite unique in it’s own. If you look at it’s segment, the lifestyle Jeep off-roading SUV, then you will realize that it’s rivals, the Thar, the Wrangler and G-Wagon (though technically, they aren’t in the same price bracket, I am mentioning them to cover the full segment), and etc. are known for having really in-your-face road presence, masculinity, ruggedness, and boldness, and their appearance suggests that they want to intimidate or bully everyone else on the road. The Jimny isn’t like them. It is comparatively docile, cheerful, comforting, and inviting. A bit less in-your-face. And it’s tiny, and light, compared to it’s big, tall, and heavy rivals. But, that is why it is hated and not noticed by Indians. Indians want SUVs with good road presence, big size, tall height, and in-your-face presence. The Jimny is too simple, jovial, and charming for them to choose it. It was quite sober and relaxing. It is indeed sad that such a capable off-roader is not getting the sales that it deserves. I get that the pricing is a bit off but it’s not that bad. The Jimny’s small size makes it easy to drive in tight city traffic and narrow mountain passes and narrow off-road trails. It is a good beginner car for new drivers because it’s easy to drive in general. It has actual 4*4 hardware and it’s a proper off-roader. It is bullet-proof reliable and cheap and easy to maintain, because it is a Maruti-Suzuki and you can find a service center with ease. In fact, it’s size, the reason because of which Indians hate it, is the reason why it is such a capable off-roader. It’s small and light, which makes it easier to go up tricky trails, in some cases, it can go where heavier off-roaders can’t go. If you get stuck, people can push you out of that problem, so nothing to worry about! The only thing where according to me the Jimny could have done better is it could have a more powerful engine. But that can be solved because this little thing has it’s own huge aftermarket scene where you can go crazy modifying it. Turbo-charged, Super-charged, probably even an engine swap! The Jimny, unlike the others, is a blank slate and you can go crazy modifying it in your own way. There really is nothing quite like it. In the end, I just hope that the Jimny stays in India, Maruti gets the pricing perfect, Maruti puts the 1.4 booster-jet engine in it, and people buy it! The Jimny is quite the versatile package, like no other, and it can do anything! If you are just bored of driving in the city and regular office routine, and love to go off touring every now and then with no fixed destination, love to not follow the beaten path and want a car that can go anywhere, no matter what, BUY the Jimny! Don’t think, buy it. Finally, finally Maruti Suzuki, after a lot of failures, is releasing a niche product, a proper off-roader, in the price range of a compact SUV, this opportunity shouldn’t be missed. It the end, listen to your heart. You wouldn’t go wrong with the Jimny.
