Maxxd.com – Modified and Performance Car News

oi-Dennis Abraham James

Published: Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 15:54 [IST]

When
Suzuki
and
Toyota
inked
their
badge-swapping
deal
a
while
back,
the
larger
Japanese
firm
benefitted
from
the
partnership
by
gobbling
up
the
Brezza
and
the
Baleno
from
Maruti
Suzuki.

While
fans
of
Toyota
weren’t
the
biggest
fans
of
the
deal,
it
did
help
the
firm
shore
up
its
numbers
in
India.
However,
over
the
past
few
months,
the
shoe
has
been
on
the
other
foot,
as
Maruti
took
the
Hyryder
and
made
it
the
Grand
Vitara.

Recently,
Toyota
dropped
the
all-new
Innova
Hycross,
and
the
latest
iteration
of
the
King
of
the
MPVs
in
India
has
become
the
latest
product
from
Aichi
in
Japan
to
feature
an ‘S’ on
its
nose.

The
result
is
the
Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto,
a
rebadged
Innova
Hycross
that
tweaks
the
looks
of
the
Innova,
fits
it
with
smaller
wheels
and
rips
out
driver
aids
for
a
price
tag
no
one
a
decade
ago
would
have
pictured
next
to
a
Maruti
Suzuki.

So
do
the
changes
make
the
Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto
the
ultimate
cheat
code
or
are
the
changes
a
step
too
far
into
the
unknown
for
India’s
largest
carmaker?
We
drove
the
all-new
Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto
in
Rajasthan
to
find
the
answer…

Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto
Design
&
Features
–
Tweaking
The
Unbeatable

The
Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto,
like
other
vehicles
in
the
Toyota/Maruti
Suzuki
world
of
badge
swaps,
is
more
of
a
facelift
than
a
proper
face
swap.

Like
its
smaller
rebadged
siblings,
the
Invicto
redoes
the
face
and
a
few
other
bits
to
give
the
premium
MPV
a
distinctive
Maruti
Suzuki
look
that
has
become
a
trademark
for
the
firm’s
premium
Nexa
lineup.

At
the
front,
the
Invicto
features
a
different
grille
that
features
chunky
chrome
bars
connecting
the
Suzuki
badge
to
the
revised
headlamps
that
feature
new
triple
LED
daytime
running
lights.

The
new
grille
looks
similar
to
the
one
on
the
Grand
Vitara
and
the
new
Fronx
SUVs
and,
when
combined
with
the
smoked
look
of
the
headlamps,
gives
the
new
Invicto
a
distinctively
Nexa
look.
And
the
large
turn
signals
are
no
longer
dual-purpose
units.

Other
changes
on
the
new
Invicto
compared
to
the
Innova
Hycross
include
the
new
triple
LED
taillights
on
the
Maruti
version
of
the
MPV,
which
also
sports
smaller
17-inch
alloy
wheels.

The
interiors
of
the
Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto
are
a
near-carbon
copy
of
the
Innova.
However,
Maruti
Suzuki
has
added
a
few
champagne
gold
highlights
to
the
new
Invicto’s
cabin
that
give
it
a
more
premium
look.

However,
the
all-black
interior
and
the
silver
trim
on
the
steering
wheel
and
dash
look
slightly
less
premium.
The
seats
are
also
almost
identical.
While
the
front
seats
are
the
same
ventilated,
adjustable
(driver’s
only)
units,
However,
the
captain
seats
on
the
7-seater
version
of
the
new
Invicto
are
not
as
mad
as
the
ottoman
units
on
the
Innova.

The
display
for
the
infotainment
screen
remains
the
same
–
a
10.1-inch
touchscreen
with
support
for
Android
Auto
and
Apple
CarPlay.
The
7-inch
display
in
the
instrument
binnacle
has
also
been
retained,
as
has
the
dual-zone
climate
control
setup,
powered
tailgate,
large
panoramic
sunroof,
and
the
wireless
charging
pad
that
sits
above
the
glovebox.

The
new
Invicto
from
Maruti
Suzuki
also
gets
the
firm’s
Suzuki
Connect
suite
of
connected
car
features.
These
allow
you
to
track
your
Invicto
and
know
when
it
is
being
towed
away
or
stolen,
along
with
a
host
of
other
functions
like
geofencing
and
door
lock/unlock,
which
can
be
done
through
a
connected
smartwatch.

The
Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto
also
comes
packed
with
quite
a
bit
of
safety
kit,
including
six
airbags,
ABS
with
EBD
vehicle
stability
control,
hill
start
assist,
a
360-degree
camera
with
dynamic
guidelines,
front
and
rear
parking
sensors
and
all-wheel
disc
brakes.

However,
Maruti
Suzuki
has
ditched
ADAS
once
again
with
the
all-new
Invicto,
which
we
feel
is
something
they
should
not
have
compromised
on
as
these
driver-aids
help
save
more
lives
on
the
road.

Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto
Driving
Impressions
–
More
Of
The
Same

Instead
of
borrowing
all
the
powertrains
on
offer
with
the
Innova,
Maruti
Suzuki
has
decided
to
stick
with
the
strong
hybrid
system
for
the
Invicto.
The
hybrid
setup
is
paired
with
an
e-CVT
gearbox
that
sends
power
to
the
front
wheels.

The
hybrid
setup
consists
of
a
2.0-litre
Atkinson
cycle
four-cylinder
engine
that
pushes
out
150bhp
and
187Nm
of
peak
torque.
The
engine
is
helped
along
by
a
single
electric
motor
producing
111bhp
and
206Nm
and
is
paired
with
a
1.7kWh
NIMH
battery
pack.

The
power
output
of
the
hybrid
setup
of
the
Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto
is
limited
to
184bhp.
The
Invicto
sprints
from
0-100km/h
in
9.5
seconds,
and
the
premium
MPV
delivers
a
mileage
of
23.24km/l.

The
Invicto
starts
on
electric
power,
and
it
will
easily
go
around
town
with
the
engine
only
coming
in
to
recharge
the
battery
or
to
give
a
bit
of
extra
boost
when
needed.
However,
when
the
speeds
go
up,
the
roles
flip.
With
the
engine
in
charge,
the
motor
adds
electrical
assistance,
and
the
combination
easily
goes
up
the
speedometer.

Initially,
the
response
is
linear;
however,
it
does
peter
out
at
higher
speeds
with
the
e-CVT,
making
the
powerplant
feel
a
bit
weirdly
strained.
However,
at
lower
speeds,
the
gearbox
feels
more
at
ease.

The
monocoque
chassis
setup
means
that
the
Invicto
drives
down
the
highways
with
ease.
The
17-inch
wheels
are
shod
with
215/60
tyres,
and
the
ride
of
the
Invicto
feels
slightly
plusher
than
the
Innova.

Turning
round
bends
is
also
quite
nice
for
a
vehicle
this
size.
However,
don’t
expect
any
miracles
when
you
push
the
Invicto
around
a
corner
despite
how
easy
the
power
steering
makes
it
seem.

The
brakes
on
the
Invicto
are
aided
by
the
regeneration
of
the
hybrid
setup.
The
regen
can
be
tweaked,
and
with
discs
all
around,
the
Invicto
comes
to
a
stop
with
relative
ease.

Final
Thoughts
About
The
Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto
–
Cheat
Code
Activated

The
Maruti
Suzuki
Invicto
seems
like
the
ultimate
cheat
code
for
fans
of
the
nation’s
largest
carmaker,
who
seem
to
be
getting
a
rebadged
Innova
for
around
Rs
1
lakh
less.

However,
while
the
Invicto
may
seem
to
some
as
an
imposter
with
an
S
badge,
especially
with
the
lack
of
ADAS,
Maruti
customers
will
still
find
it
to
be
a
rather
brilliant
deal.
At
the
end
of
the
day,
that’s
all
that
matters
at
the
end
of
the
day.

Source

oi-Dennis Abraham James

Published: Monday, May 29, 2023, 10:50 [IST]

The
corner
of
the
Indian
car
market
powered
by
CNG
has
always
been
chock
full
of
compromises,
some
greater
than
others
but
still
compromises…

Customers
had
to
choose
between
power
and
mileage,
boot
space
and
more
CNG
and
of
course,
the
ever-present
fear
of
having
a
compressed
metal
cylinder
filled
with
methane
sitting
just
behind
the
passenger
seats.

But
those
were
compromises
the
Indian
CNG
car
following
had
gotten
used
to
as
well.
That
was
until
Tata
Motors
decided
to
upend
that
sorry
cart
of
compromises
with
its
new
twin-cylinder
tech
at
Auto
Expo
2023.

So
is
the
new
Tata
Altroz
iCNG,
the
sign
of
a
new
era
of
CNG
in
India
or
is
it
just
more
compressed
methane
escaping
into
the
atmosphere
that
isn’t
bovinely
exhausted?
We
got
behind
the
wheel
of
the
all-new
Tata
Altroz
iCNG
in
Goa
to
find
out
just
how
much
the
premium
hatchback
had
changed
with
compressed
methane
running
through
its
veins…

Tata
Altroz
iCNG
–
Is
It
Really
More
Practical?

The
Tata
Altroz
is
one
of
the
better-looking
hatchbacks
currently
running
on
our
roads
today
and
the
visual
changes
for
the
CNG
version
are
almost
non-existent
except
for
the
iCNG
badge
on
the
tailgate.

The
changes
on
the
inside
are
also
nearly
nonexistent
as
well,
except
for
the
new
CNG
button
on
the
central
console
that
lets
you
know
which
fuel
you’re
using.
The
voice-activated
single-pane
roof
is
a
first
for
any
CNG-powered
hatch
in
India.

Otherwise,
the
new
Altroz
iCNG
comes
packed
with
all
the
bells
and
whistles
the
petrol
version
of
the
hatch
comes
with.
Top-spec
versions
of
the
Altroz
iCNG
come
with
features
like
automatic
headlights
and
rain-sensing
wipers,
a
7-inch
touchscreen
infotainment
system
with
Tata’s
iRA
smartcar
setup
and
support
for
Android
Auto
and
Apple
CarPlay.

Other
features
on
the
top-of-the-line
Altroz
iCNG
include
a
wireless
phone
charger,
air
purifier,
leatherette
seat
upholstery
and
dual-tone
alloy
wheels.

The
biggest
change
in
terms
of
design
and
practicality
is
seen
when
you
open
the
tailgate
and
gaze
into
the
bowels
of
the
boot.
Tata’s
twin
30kg
CNG
cylinders
take
up
space
under
the
floor
of
the
boot.

Yes,
the
Altroz
iCNG’s
210-litre
boot
is
smaller
than
its
petrol
counterpart’s
345-litre
unit.
However,
before
you
all
start
picketing
my
office
tabletop
and
complaining
about
leading
you
on
about
the
compromises
in
the
introduction
to
this
piece,
210
litres
is
a
lot
more
than
having
no
space
at
all
with
a
regular
60kg
compressed
CNG
tank.

So
while
the
CNG
tanks
may
have
gobbled
up
the
underfloor
storage
area,
diminishing
the
available
volume
of
space
by
135
litres,
the
Altroz
iCNG’s
210-litre
boot
is
more
than
enough
for
the
grocery
and
mall
shopping
runs.

Tata
Altroz
iCNG
–
Has
The
Engine
Snoozed
Off
&
Just
How
Safe
Is
It?

The
Tata
Altroz
iCNG
is
based
on
the
firm’s
1.2-litre
naturally
aspirated
3-cylinder
revotron
engine.
When
drinking
down
petrol,
the
engine
produces
87bhp
and
115Nm
of
peak
torque.

When
inhaling
lungfuls
of
compressed
methane,
the
engine
output
dips
from
87bhp
to
72.4bhp,
while
torque
is
down
by
12Nm
at
103Nm.
Power
is
still
sent
to
the
front
wheels
via
a
5-speed
manual
gearbox.

To
allow
the
engine
to
function
without
having
to
catch
its
breath
every
time
one
of
the
fuel
tanks
drops
low.
The
new
smart
ECU
automatically
shifts
between
petrol
and
CNG
on
the
fly.

The
new
ECU
switches
between
fuels
on
the
go
while
ensuring
the
best
efficiency.
The
new
ECU
also
allows
the
Altroz
to
start
off
the
daily
drive
in
CNG
mode.

Filling
up
the
tanks
is
also
a
quick
job
thanks
to
the
special
nozzle
fitted
to
the
Altroz.
Also
seen
is
a
small
micro
switch
that
shuts
off
the
fuel
to
the
engine
when
it
detects
the
fuel
filler
cap
opening.
The
Altroz
will
vent
the
CNG
into
the
atmosphere
if
a
thermal
issue
is
detected.

Other
safety
features
include
the
usual
array
of
airbags,
ABS
with
EBD,
Brake
Sway
Control
and
Sorner
Stability
Control
among
many
more
systems
that
keep
those
inside
the
cabin
safe
and
secure.

Tata
Altroz
iCNG
Driving
Impressions
–
Has
The
Drive
Been
Compromised?

The
short
answer
and
the
one
most
Altroz
iCNG
owners
will
say
is
no.
The
loss
in
power
and
torque
isn’t
really
felt
until
you
start
pushing
the
premium
hatchback
to
its
limits.

Despite
the
large
difference
on
paper
between
the
petrol
and
CNG
modes,
the
hatchback
offers
more
than
adequate
performance
in
the
city
when
running
on
natural
gas.

However,
if
you
find
yourself
low
in
the
rev
range
when
running
on
CNG
in
a
gear
higher
than
second,
we
recommend
shifting
down
if
you
need
to
get
back
into
the
powerband
urgently.

Switching
between
petrol
and
CNG
modes
happens
automatically
when
fuel
levels
are
low.
However,
drivers
can
switch
between
the
modes
by
just
tapping
the
CNG
button
on
the
dash.
The
new
Altroz
iCNG
can
start
journeys
in
CNG
mode,
which
is
quite
a
big
plus
point
over
its
rivals
from
Tata
and
Hyundai.

The
suspension
setup
of
the
iCNG
has
been
stiffened
compared
to
the
petrol
version
of
Altroz,
especially
at
the
rear
to
handle
the
weight
of
the
two
cylinders.
While
this
helps
ensure
the
Altroz
iCNG
does
not
drop
down
due
to
the
extra
weight,
going
over
bumps
and
ruts
can
be
problematic
for
your
back.

The
steering
is
the
same
as
the
petrol
model
and
provides
more
than
adequate
feedback.
At
higher
speeds,
the
wheel
weighs
up
quite
nicely
which
is
rather
reassuring.

The
braking
performance
from
the
disc
brakes
at
the
front
and
the
rear
drums
is
more
than
adequate
for
the
Altroz
iCNG.
However,
using
the
brake
pedal
itself
can
be
a
bit
cumbersome
thanks
to
its
close
proximity
to
the
clutch.

NVH
levels
inside
the
cabin
are
quite
manageable
for
the
most
part.
The
only
annoyance
comes
when
the
three-cylinder
runs
higher
into
the
rev
range.

Final
Thoughts
About
The
Tata
Altroz
iCNG

The
Tata
Altroz
iCNG
brings
about
the
savings
of
switching
to
CNG
to
the
Altroz
premium
hatchback.
Its
innovative
twin-cylinder
setup
ensures
that
owners
can
still
use
the
boot
while
the
onboard
safety
systems
ensure
that
you
can
run
on
compressed
methane
without
worrying
your
head
off.

Add
in
the
fact
that
the
Altroz
iCNG’s
in-city
performance
is
quite
similar
to
the
petrol
version,
and
the
only
way
you’ll
feel
the
need
for
petrol-powered
speed
is
on
the
highway.

Overall,
the
Tata
Altroz
iCNG
is
the
least
compromised
CNG-powered
car
we’ve
driven
in
a
while
and
that
is
what
makes
it
such
an
attractive
option,
especially
with
a
starting
price
of
Rs
7.55
lakh
(ex-showroom).

Source

oi-Dennis Abraham James

Updated: Friday, May 26, 2023, 18:50 [IST]

It
was
December
1985
and
Maruti
Suzuki
was
still
discovering
its
feet.
The
firm
burst
into
the
Indian
automotive
scene
with
the
800
in
1983.

Looking
to
switch
away
from
the
800
and
the
Van
based
on
it,
the
firm
set
its
sights
on
Mahindra’s ‘Indianised’ Jeeps
and
brought
the
Jimny
offroader
into
India.
Dubbed
the
Maruti
Suzuki ‘Gypsy’,
the
SJ40
series
gained
quite
a
cult
following
in
India.

Despite
the
Jimny
sold
in
other
markets
moving
forward
by
two
generations,
Maruti
Suzuki
persisted
with
the
Gypsy
taking
orders
for
civilians
till
December
2018
before
tightening
emission
and
safety
norms
rang
the
death
knell
for
the
offroader.

Since
then,
rumours
about
the
4th
Gen
Jimny
arriving
in
India
filled
the
pages
of
automotive
chat
rooms
across
the
nation.
Maruti
Suzuki
ended
the
speculation
at
Auto
Expo
2023
when
it
revealed
the
all-new
Jimny
for
India.

However,
the
Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
sported
five
doors
instead
of
the
three-door
layout
prefered
elsewhere
which
had
us
more
than
intrigued
about
how
the
new
SUV
would
perform
given
there
was
no
increase
in
the
output
from
the
powerplant.

So
when
Maruti
Suzuki
gave
us
the
chance
to
test
out
the
new
Jimny
near
Dehradun,
we
dumped
everything
to
see
if
there
was
a
new
king
of
the
dirt
tracks.
The
answers
we
received
had
us
shining
up
a
dusty
old
crown
and
well
if
you
wish
to
know
why,
I’d
suggest
you
keep
reading
and
get
ready
to
prostrate
yourself
in
front
of
the
returning
king…

Maruti
Suzuki
Design
&
Features
–
Rugged
Retro
Boxiness
With
A
Few
Modern
Amenities

The
Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
is
identical
to
its
3-door
sibling
except
for
the
extra
length
due
to
the
presence
of
an
extra
door
on
each
side.
So
while
it
may
be
longer,
the
India-spec
Jimny
is
just
as
boxy
and
rugged
as
its
international
counterpart.

The
Maruti
Jimny
is
a
throwback
to
the
1st
and
2nd
iterations
of
the
SUV.
The
front
end
sports
circular
LED
headlights
that
are
connected
by
five
chrome-adorned
vertical
slats
with
the
central
one
hosting
the
Suzuki
badge.
The
tiny
circular
turn
indicators
sit
near
the
headlights
on
the
top
edges
of
the
grille.

The
front
bumpers
on
the
Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
are
angled
to
increase
the
ground
clearance
at
the
wheels
of
the
SUV.
Made
using
toughened
plastic,
the
bumpers
play
host
to
the
fog
lamps
and
a
large
central
air
intake.

The
sides
of
the
Jimny
reflect
the
rugged
nature
of
the
boxy
little
beast.
The
flared
wheel
arches
are
made
from
toughened
plastic
and
play
host
to
15-inch
alloy
wheels
that
are
shod
with
road-specific
rubber.

The
switch
to
a
five-door
layout
has
meant
that
the
rear
three-quarter
glass
panel
has
shrunk
significantly.
The
roof,
which
is
finished
in
a
bluish-black
shade
in
the
dual-tone
versions
of
the
Jimny,
features
drip
rails
on
the
sides
and
the
rear
to
ensure
that
water
doesn’t
drip
on
you
when
you
enter
or
exit
the
SUV.

The
rear
section
of
the
Jimny
is
as
boxy
as
the
rest
of
the
SUV
except
for
the
spare
wheel
which
is
mounted
onto
the
rear
door
of
the
SUV.
Except
for
the
third
brake
light
which
lives
on
the
door,
the
Jimny’s
entire
rear
lighting
setup
can
be
found
in
two
pods
on
the
rear
bumper.

Step
inside
the
all-new
Jimny
and
you’ll
be
greeted
by
a
spartan
interior
that
features
a
few
creature
comforts
that
bring
it
into
the
21st
century.
The
most
noticeable
of
these
features
comes
in
the
form
of
the
infotainment
screen
that
is
offered
in
either
7
or
9-inch
screen
options.

The
infotainment
touchscreen
allows
access
to
connectivity
options
like
Bluetooth,
Android
Auto
and
Apple
CarPlay
for
your
music
and
navigation
needs.
The
infotainment
system
is
connected
to
a
surround
sound
system
that
belts
out
your
favourite
tunes
with
ease.

The
rest
of
the
cabin
is
made
to
deal
with
the
rough
world
that
every
Jimny
owner
must
experience
–
the
great
outdoors.
The
dials
are
big
and
analogue
and
there
is
a
small
multi-information
display
in
between
for
all
your
other
required
car-related
information.

The
seats
are
designed
to
absorb
all
the
bumps
and
jumps
you’ll
find
up
and
down
a
rocky
crag.
The
front
passenger
also
gets
a
grab
rail
to
hold
onto
when
you
decide
to
get
adventurous
with
your
right
foot
on
the
dirt
and
rocks.

The
dash
and
other
sections
are
made
from
scratch
proof
material,
so
your
house
panther
will
need
to
transform
into ‘Panthera
leo’ to
make
a
mark
here.
The
controls
are
all
rather
large
and
easy
to
find
but
we
do
wish
Maruti
Suzuki
took
a
bit
more
time
to
arrange
them
a
bit
more
intuitively.

The
Jimny
also
comes
with
a
host
of
safety
features
including
6
airbags,
ABS
with
EBD,
Brake
Limited
Slip
Differential,
Hill
Hold
Control,
Hill
Descent
Control,
Brake
Assist,
rearview
camera
and
ISOFIX
anchor
points
for
child
seats.

Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
Specs
&
Dimensions
–
Built
For
A
Bruising

The
all-new
Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
for
India
is
powered
by
the
firm’s
K15B
1.5-litre
naturally-aspirated
four-cylinder
petrol
engine.
The
Jimny’s
powerplant
pushes
out
103.4bhp
at
6,000rpm
and
134.2Nm
of
peak
torque
at
4,000rpm.

The
engine
sends
power
to
all
four
wheels
via
either
a
5-speed
manual
or
a
4-speed
torque
converter
automatic
transmission
with
short
ratios.
The
transmission
is
paired
with
Suzuki’s
All
Grip
all-wheel-drive
system
and
the
new
Jimny
SUV
also
features
a
low-range
transfer
box.

As
was
the
case
with
the
old
Gypsy,
the
Jimny
uses
a
ladder-frame
chassis.
Taking
care
of
the
rough
stuff
is
a
3-link
suspension
setup
with
a
rigid
axle
and
coil
springs
at
both
the
front
and
the
rear.
The
Jimny
rides
on
15-inch
wheels
that
are
offered
in
both
steel
and
alloy
guises.
The
wheels
are
shod
with
195/80
R15
tyres.

The
Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
is
3,985mm
long
(with
the
spare
wheel
attached),
1,645mm
wide
and
1,720mm
tall.
The
wheelbase
of
the
new
Jimny
is
2,590mm
long
and
weighs
1,210kg
in
its
heaviest
guise.
The
new
Jimny
offers
210mm
of
ground
clearance
and
sports
a
208-litre
boot.

Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
Driving
Impressions
–
The
Real
Successor
To
The
Gypsy
King

The
Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
is
built
to
go
off-piste
with
its
ladder
frame
chassis
and
off-roading
suspension
setup,
however,
that
doesn’t
mean
that
it
is
an
absolute
brute
on
the
road.

We
do
wish
the
engine
had
a
bit
more
power
to
deal
with
the
everyday
on-road
malarkey.
However,
with
its
more
than
good
enough
mid
and
top-end
power
it
will
get
from
point
A
to
B
without
breaking
into
too
much
of
a
sweat.

And
on
your
way
to
point
B,
the
Jimny
surprises
you
with
the
way
it
deals
with
the
ruts
and
bumps.
The
ride
is
smooth
and
the
SUV
doesn’t
bounce
around
despite
its
off-road-oriented
suspension
setup.

However,
there
is
considerable
body
roll
when
you
try
and
push
the
Jimny
into
a
corner
thanks
to
its
high-riding
setup.
The
steering
is
light
and
numb
and
the
turning
radius
of
5.4
metres
is
a
real
pain
especially
when
you’re
trying
to
execute
a
U-turn.

However,
all
that
changes
when
you
get
off
the
black
strip
of
tarmac
and
head
into
the
big
outdoors.
The
Jimny
transforms
from
a
shy
lamb
on
the
streets
into
a
jumping
jackrabbit
on
steroids
when
it
goes
off-piste.

The
engine
comes
into
its
own
off-the-beaten-path,
responding
to
the
slightest
of
inputs.
The
K15B
powerplant
provides
more
than
enough
low-end
grunt
to
easily
drag
you
out
of
a
tough
spot.

Both
gearboxes
combined
with
the
transfer
case
are
quite
nice
to
use
out
in
the
wild.
Surprisingly
it
is
the
automatic
gearbox
that
we
would
rather
go
with
as
it
is
slightly
easier
to
use.

While
the
manual
gives
you
a
bit
more
control
over
the
gears
and
the
revs,
the
automatic
box
can
limit
the
first
two
gears
from
revving
all
the
way
to
glory.
It
can
also
limit
itself
from
going
into
overdrive
when
the
Jimny
isn’t
on
the
black
stuff.

The
ability
to
shift
into
4
High
on
the
fly
with
the
transfer
case
is
an
absolute
boon
on
the
go
allowing
you
to
conquer
the
toughest
terrain.
And
if
one
wheel
does
lose
traction,
the
Brake
Limited
Slip
Differential
invokes
its
magic
to
keep
you
moving.

The
ladder-frame
chassis
3-link
suspension
setup
with
solid
axles
comes
into
its
own
when
it
is
time
to
conquer
the
rough
stuff.
You
can
take
the
Jimny
up
to
ridiculous
angles
while
keeping
the
body
shell
intact
and
upright.

Add
in
the
crazy
break-over,
approach
and
departure
angles
and
the
210mm
of
ground
clearance
and
you’ll
find
yourself
going
up
and
down
trails
that
would
otherwise
be
left
alone.

The
brakes
on
the
Jimny
perform
quite
well,
no
doubt
aided
by
the
fact
that
the
new
Maruti
Suzuki
SUV
is
a
proper
lightweight.
The
brake
pedal
also
has
a
bit
more
travel
than
you
would
expect,
so
do
keep
that
in
mind
when
you
drop
the
anchors.

The
addition
of
hill
hold
assist
and
hill
descent
control
is
a
big
boon
off
the
beaten
path.
The
hill
hold
assist
also
helps
out
quite
a
bit
when
you
find
yourself
stuck
on
an
incline
in
a
jam.

Final
Thoughts
About
The
Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
–
The
Return
Of
The
True
Gypsy
King

The
arrival
of
the
Maruti
Suzuki
Jimny
sees
the
nation’s
biggest
carmaker
return
to
the
off-roading
enthusiast
market
since
the
departure
of
the
Gypsy
King
nearly
5
years
back.

The
Jimny
is
an
absolute
little
monster
off
the
beaten
path.
Add
a
rather
practical
cabin
and
some
decent
road
manners,
especially
some
excellent
ride
quality
and
the
Jimny
becomes
a
logical
choice
for
the
offroading
enthusiast
who
also
needs
a
slightly
practical
weekday
vehicle.

Source