2023 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door debuts to show that bigger is better
After years of rumors and months of spy footage, Suzuki has finally introduced the Jimny 5-door. Technically sourced from Maruti Suzuki of New Delhi for the sake of accuracy, the model made its debut at Auto Expo 2023 in India today. It's still the ladder-frame off-roader we all appreciate, but now significantly larger to accommodate the rear doors, which allow access to a far more spacious interior cabin.
While the kei car version of the Jimny 3-door sold in Japan is 3,395 millimeters (133.7 in) long, the global model extends to 3,645 mm (143.5 in). This newly added 5-door measures 3,985 mm (157 in). Its wheelbase has been extended to 2,590 mm (102 inches) and is therefore a considerable 340 mm (13.3 inches) longer than the 3-door variant. Maruti Suzuki says the vehicle is 1,645 mm (64.8 in) wide and 1,720 mm (67.7 in) high, both figures matching those of the international Jimny 3-door.
It retains the donor car's upright and angular styling and gets a black roof to contrast with the main Kinetic Yellow color. Flared wheel arches, round headlights, a louvered grille, exposed rear hinges and off-road tires are some of the familiar features inherited from the 3-door model. It stands on 15-inch wheels with 195/80 rubber and has a rear-mounted tailgate with a black cover.
The interior was largely taken from the standard Jimny, down to the grab handle on the passenger side of the dash and the faux exposed screws. The Indian model gets a rear seat that can accommodate up to three passengers. With the rear seats up, it has a cargo volume of 208 liters (7.3 cu ft), which can be expanded to 332 liters (11.7 cu ft) after the seat is folded down.
Extras include 9-inch infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear-view camera and an Arkamys sound system. On the safety side, the 5-door features Hill Hold and Hill Descent Assist, along with six airbags, ESP and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Power comes from a mild hybrid 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 105 hp at 6,000 rpm and 134 Nm (99 lb-ft) at 4,400 rpm, delivered to an all-wheel drive system. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual and a four-speed torque-converter automatic. Suzuki Jimny 5-door owners can choose between 2WD High, 4WD High and 4WD Low modes for serious off-road driving, thanks to a 36-degree departure angle, a 24-degree breakover angle, a 50-degree Departure angle and a ground clearance of 210 mm.
Maruti Suzuki will assemble the Jimny 5-door at the Gurugram plant and is already taking orders in India, where it will go on sale in May. Other markets will follow, including Africa, Australia and Latin America.