Ever since it has been showcased at the Indian Auto Expo and in foreign countries, the fourth generation Suzuki Jimny, or should I call it the Gypsy has been in the mind of the Indian automotive enthusiast. I mean, what is there that you can not like? A small ladder frame chassis with a functional and funky looking body along with a drivetrain that powers all four wheels is a formula that screams fun. If I had a rupee for every time I heard the phrase, “Bro, if they get the Jimny here, I am buying it” I would have made enough money to perhaps privately import one. However, Maruti does feel otherwise. According to them, just because people want something that does not translate to a line of booking cheques the brand has got used to seeing. A 3-door has always been a niche product in the Indian market and without massive volumes to back them up, Maruti may never offer us a 3-door Jimny. While Maruti Suzuki was busy holding meetings and evaluating if they should bring it or not, Mahindra has unveiled their take on this simple formula, in a refreshed avatar.
With the new Thar, Mahindra has given us a car which essentially does follow the same formula and made it more practical in its latest iteration. It is indeed a small ladder frame chassis on which is a lovely small body, an evolution of a car which has been nothing short of an icon. With this new generation model, Mahindra is also offering us a daily drivable interior space, with the capacity of taking up to four adults and a bit of luggage with hardware capable enough to conquer any terrain. Additionally, by offering two different trim levels, the LX and the AX, Mahindra has ensured that it’ll continue to receive love from the audience which brought the Thar for its utilitarian qualities. However, will Mahindra get a good response for their more luxurious variant? Is there a demand for such a product in the market? We shall find that out soon.
Now that we will have such an option available should one still wait for the Jimny? Sure, the car indeed has a charm of its own. It also has a loyal fan base in India, who continue to use and enjoy their second-generation Jimny. Our armies too, have loved the prowess of the good old Gypsy. Following the petrol power philosophy of its ancestor, it houses a tried and tested K15 series motor in international markets. This 1.5-litre, 100 hp petrol engine is also seen in cars like the Ciaz, the Brezza and some more which are available in our country. While a manual stick shifter is an enthusiasts choice, 4-speed auto is also on offer with the vehicle. A four-wheel-drive system, with a proper low range gearbox, gives this tiny 4×4 enough credibility off the road. Modern amenities like a touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple Carplay, keyless entry and the works are also on offer in the only variant being sold in major international markets. Expect the Indian spec model to be no different, apart from a few minor alterations.
However, the Mahindra is not far too behind, in fact, on paper it seems to be a step ahead. It has two engine options to choose from. A 150 hp 2-litre turbocharged petrol motor and a 130 hp 2.2-litre oil burner. Along with a shifter to change from the high range and low range gear ratios, the Thar will come with two different gearbox options. For the enthusiast, there is the option of a 6-speed manual and for the enthusiast who drives in a lot of traffic, there a 6-speed torque converter. The options do not end here, Mahindra will also offer you a choice of having a soft top, a convertible soft top and a hardtop. Additionally, the car also comes with a washable interior, allowing you to thrash the SUV around and just hose the dirt out. Just like the Jimny, the Thar also comes with a touchscreen infotainment system with multiple connectivity options. Moreover, the touchscreen also offers a host of information, such as real-time power/torque figures, compass, pitch angle, front tyre angle and many more bragging rights.
If the customers of this niche segment are a cake, then Mahindra is going to enjoy devouring this cake for now. However, if Maruti may find the cake getting large enough to interest them, they may unleash the Jimny to snatch away a big piece from Mahindra. Maruti Suzuki has become a household name for us Indians and although the Jimny was not designed here, it will be made for our market here, employing many more Indians and booming our economy. That said, the Jimny will get a handicap of sorts in this competition, since the Thar is about to go on sale and the arrival of the Jimny is still a question mark. I think the Mahindra Thar, a car proudly designed, manufactured and sold in India, signified by the special plaque on the passenger side of the dashboard, a car which offers more engine options, a car which can be used to pull a trailer as well as allow you to bully others on the way to work a car which is pleasing to look at while being aggressive enough does have a solid chance to kill the demand of the Jimny.
Author: Videh Vora
