By Maruti Suzuki officially confirmed that the Jimny won’t get a 2WD drive option. Shashank Srivastava, senior executive director of sales and Marketing at Maruti Suzuki India, confirmed that the decision is rooted in maintaining Jimny’s core brand identity. Despite customer feedback expressing interest in a 2WD version, the brand believes such an addition would dilute the globally acclaimed off-roader’s essence. In a press conference on December 1, Srivastava stated, “While we have received feedback from several customers asking for a 2WD variant of the Jimny, it will go against the Jimny’s core brand ethos.” This declaration solidifies the earlier reports indicating that Maruti Suzuki Jimny won’t be offered in a 2WD configuration.
Globally recognized as a rugged off-roader, the Jimny’s appeal lies in its four-wheel-drive (4WD) capabilities. Maruti Suzuki remains committed to this vision, and Srivastava affirmed, “Therefore, a 2WD Jimny is not in active consideration, and we will continue to sell the 4WD version.” The brand is resolute in preserving the Jimny’s adventurous spirit and its capability to conquer diverse terrains. The decision not to introduce a 2WD variant may have contributed to the slower adoption of the Jimny in the Indian market.
Additionally, the model’s positioning as an off-roader and its pricing, ranging from Rs 12.84 lakh to Rs 14.89 lakh (ex-showroom), have been cited as factors impacting its market reception. This strategy contrasts with the approach taken by Mahindra Thar, which initially launched as a 4×4 and later introduced a 4×2 variant, garnering significant customer interest. Maruti Suzuki’s unwavering commitment to the Jimny’s off-roading prowess ensures that it continues to appeal to adventure enthusiasts seeking a true off-road experience.
