2025 Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Nomade: Performance, Features & Everything You Need to Know
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a legendary name in the compact off-road segment, known for its rugged capabilities and reliability. With the introduction of the 5-door Jimny Nomade, Suzuki has taken a bold step in enhancing the practicality of the vehicle while retaining its core strengths. Manufactured exclusively in India, this new version is set to be exported to Japan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s automobile manufacturing sector. This review will explore the design, features, performance, safety, and global implications of the Jimny 5-door Nomade in detail.
Exterior and Design
The Jimny 5-door Nomade retains the boxy, utilitarian design that has made the Jimny series an icon. However, it now features an extended wheelbase, making room for an additional pair of doors. The front fascia remains unmistakably Jimny, featuring a five-slot grille, round LED headlamps, and a chunky bumper that enhances its aggressive stance.
From the side, the longer body is evident, yet it does not take away from the SUV’s proportions. The 15-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, black plastic cladding, and muscular wheel arches add to its rugged look. The rear remains minimalistic with vertical taillights and a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, reinforcing its off-road character. The increased length provides better ingress and egress for passengers, making it more suitable for family use while still retaining its adventure-ready appeal.
Interior and Cabin Comfort
The biggest improvement in the Jimny 5-door Nomade is the enhanced cabin space. The extended dimensions provide more legroom and headroom for rear passengers, addressing one of the key limitations of the 3-door variant. The seating configuration remains practical, with foldable rear seats offering increased cargo space when needed.
The dashboard is straightforward and practical, made of sturdy materials that can survive harsh environments. Modern connectivity is ensured by a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at its core. The digital MID (multi-information display) provides crucial driving data, while the analog instrument cluster is quite readable.
While the Jimny does not offer luxurious interiors, the focus remains on practicality and durability. The climate control system, steering-mounted controls, and power windows add convenience, making it a well-rounded package.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the Jimny 5-door Nomade houses a 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine, producing 103 hp and 134 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. While this powertrain is not the most powerful in its class, it is tuned for reliability, efficiency, and off-road performance rather than outright speed.
Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD system is standard, featuring a low-range transfer case that significantly enhances off-road capabilities. This allows the Jimny to tackle rough terrain, steep inclines, and challenging landscapes with ease. The ladder-frame chassis, along with 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil springs, provides excellent articulation and durability.
On city roads, the Jimny Nomade feels agile and easy to maneuver due to its compact footprint. However, its steering is slightly heavier compared to regular urban SUVs, a necessary trade-off for its superior off-road performance. Highway stability is decent, though its boxy shape means wind resistance can be noticeable at higher speeds.
Off-Road Capability
Off-road legends like the Jimny have always existed, and the 5-door Nomade is no different. It continues to be one of the most capable SUVs in its class with to its 210 mm ground clearance, 36 degree approach angle, 47 degree departure angle, and 24 degree ramp breakover angle.
The low-range 4x4 system ensures excellent traction on mud, snow, sand, and rocky terrains. Suzuki has tuned the suspension system to handle undulating surfaces effortlessly, making it a preferred choice for off-road enthusiasts. The longer wheelbase does slightly reduce its breakover angle compared to the 3-door version, but it still performs admirably in rough conditions.
Safety Features
Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Jimny 5-door Nomade with essential safety features to ensure a secure driving experience. Some of the key safety technologies include:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
- Brake Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Although the Jimny does not feature ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), its sturdy ladder-frame construction provides excellent crash protection, making it a safe choice for adventurous drivers.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
The 1.5L petrol engine offers decent fuel efficiency for an off-road SUV. In real-world conditions, the Jimny 5-door Nomade delivers approximately 16-17 km/l in urban areas and 19-20 km/l on highways, depending on driving style and terrain.
Maintenance costs are expected to be affordable, as Maruti Suzuki has a wide service network and relatively inexpensive spare parts. This gives it an edge over imported off-road vehicles that come with higher maintenance expenses.
Market Strategy and Global Impact
One of the most significant aspects of the Jimny 5-door Nomade is its export strategy. This model is manufactured in India at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and will be shipped to Japan and other international markets. This move highlights India’s growing importance as a global automobile manufacturing hub.
For the Japanese market, this is particularly interesting as Suzuki is importing a model from India to its home country, showcasing the trust in Indian manufacturing quality. The Jimny 5-door Nomade is expected to attract customers looking for a compact yet practical off-road vehicle with a more spacious cabin.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door Nomade is a well-balanced package that combines classic off-road capabilities with added practicality. While it remains a no-frills, function-first vehicle, its enhanced cabin space, improved features, and legendary 4x4 performance make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts and urban commuters alike.
Pros:
✔ Rugged off-road capability
✔ Compact dimensions for city driving
✔ Reliable and fuel-efficient engine
✔ Spacious cabin compared to 3-door version
✔ Affordable maintenance and service costs
Cons:
❌ No diesel or turbocharged engine option
❌ No ADAS or advanced safety tech
❌ Longer wheelbase slightly affects breakover angle
With its export to Japan, the Jimny 5-door Nomade represents a new chapter in Suzuki’s global strategy, proving that Indian-made vehicles can compete in the home market of their parent company.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the key differences between the Jimny 3-door and 5-door models?
- What is the expected price range of the Jimny 5-door Nomade in Japan?
- What are the available engine and transmission options?
- How does the Jimny Nomade compare to other compact off-road SUVs?
- What safety features does the Jimny 5-door offer?
- What are the color options available for the Jimny 5-door Nomade?
- How does the Jimny perform in extreme weather conditions?
- What are the warranty and service packages offered by Maruti Suzuki?
- Is there a possibility of a diesel or hybrid variant in the future?
- How does the Jimny 5-door handle long highway drives compared to its competitors?
