A Car with Low Demand in India Becomes a Sensation Abroad! Suzuki Jimny Special Edition Launched in France
Despite seeing limited demand in India, the Suzuki Jimny is making waves in international markets. To celebrate the iconic off-roader’s 55th anniversary, Suzuki has unveiled a special edition of the Jimny in France, with just 55 units being made available. Priced at €28,955 (approximately ₹28.75 lakh), the vehicle features a retro design and essential features. Deliveries in France are expected to begin by the end of this month.
High Demand Abroad, Lukewarm Response in India
Though the price may seem high, European customers are enthusiastically purchasing the Jimny. In stark contrast, Indian buyers have shown much less interest. Between its launch in June 2023 and the end of April 2024, a total of 1,02,024 units of the Jimny were sold, out of which only 26,180 units were purchased in India. A whopping 75,844 units were exported to international markets.
These statistics clearly indicate the low domestic demand in India. In October 2023, five months after launching the 5-door SUV variant in India, Maruti Suzuki began exporting the Jimny to major overseas markets including Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Countries like Mexico, Australia, and South Africa have responded particularly well to the model.
In India, the Jimny is priced between ₹12.76 lakh and ₹14.96 lakh (ex-showroom). Yet, the French market is embracing the special edition at a significantly higher price point, showcasing the vehicle’s international appeal.
Strong Demand in Japan Too
Before its Indian launch, the 5-door Jimny was introduced in Japan under the name “Nomad”, where it received an overwhelmingly positive response. As a Made in India product, the SUV saw massive pre-orders in Japan, with over 50,000 bookings received within just four days of launch.
France-Specific Jimny Features
The France-exclusive Jimny 55th Anniversary Edition comes with several distinctive features:
- Durable rubber floor mats
- 9-inch touchscreen display
- Unique center console badge
- Exclusive add-ons for French buyers such as a leather-bound travel journal and custom key fob
- Heated seats, climate control, Bluetooth, and USB port for essential comfort and convenience
Performance and Safety
Under the hood, the special edition Jimny retains the standard 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 101 bhp and 130 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and Suzuki’s proven AllGrip Pro 4WD system.
Safety features include:
- Hill-start assist
- Emergency braking
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Rugged Yet Classic Design
A standout feature of this edition is the front honeycomb grille that replaces the regular “S” badge with a full SUZUKI script, enhancing its retro charm. Tough black steel wheels add to its rugged utility look. Buyers can choose from four muted color options: Jungle Green, Medium Grey, White, and Bluish Black.