This Suzuki Jimny Is Converted To A Mini Jeep Cherokee XJ

The Suzuki Jimny is sold in many markets abroad. It's one of those cars that are easily modifiable. The Jimny is an ideal vehicle for aftermarket body kits due to its boxy design language. This particular modification from the company Marvelous shows how the Jimny can look awfully similar to the Jeep Cherokee XJ. The Cherokee XJ was sold between 1983 and 2001 – already looked quite identical to the Jimny.

The redesigned front end features a six-slot grille (which is very similar to Jeep's famous seven-slot design), square headlamps, and distinct indicators. It also gets new unpainted plastic front and rear bumpers, and an optional set of body-coloured broad wing extensions that remind you of the Wrangler. The slim wide fenders on the other hand are an understated piece.

With the narrow version of the suspension raise kit, the ground clearance is increased by 1.5 inches (38 mm), while in the wide version, it is increased by 3 inches (76 mm). It is coupled with a fresh set of custom alloy wheels mounted with more secure Yokohama Mud/Terrain tyres for improved off-road performance.

There are no modifications made to the engine, despite one of the models on display at the Nagoya Auto Festival 2023 having quad exhaust pipes. This means that the Jimny keeps its standard naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which in the JDM-spec Sierra produces 101 horsepower (75 kW/102 PS), or its standard turbocharged 658cc three-cylinder engine, which in the entry-level model produces 63 hp (47 kW/64 PS).

The Jimny is only offered in Zeta and Alpha trim levels, with the latter receiving additional features such as auto headlights, the SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system, and an Arkamys sound system. Nevertheless, Maruti Suzuki includes security elements like hill-hold assistance and six airbags as standard equipment.

The Jimny is expected to cost around Rs 12 lakh from Maruti and is anticipated to go on sale in May 2023. Although it won't have any direct competition when it goes on sale, Mahindra and Force are working on 5-door versions of the Thar and Gurkha respectively and they will appeal to the same market as the Jimny 5-door.

Pics Credit: Marvelous/Facebook