It can indeed be a city slicker if you want it to be. Nimble, loves tight spaces, small footprint and great visibility overall.
BHPian jackofsome recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
First service and modifications update — Alpha A/T:
First service:
I went for the service at exactly 1000 kms on the odo. Changed the oil and the service centre had stock of FS 0W16 Ecstar engine oil. They were more than happy to accommodate my request. Total bill came up to Rs.18xx. The Jyote Motors Nexa service in Kolkata is one of the best service centres I have experienced. I was skeptical going to Maruti service for the first time in my life, but was totally surprised.
Observations on the car:
- It can indeed be a city slicker if you want it to be. Nimble, loves tight spaces, small footprint and great visibility overall.
- I thought after all the reviews that it is indeed very slow overall as a vehicle. But when I started living with it, it made me realise first that its adequate. However the revelation was once I bought the Windbooster. I know this topic has been discussed to death. However still here is my perspective – the only reason in general reviews say its slow is because the throttle response is deliberately muted (most probably due to this being an off-road vehicle as if the throttle is spiky in tricky situations should be a bane rather than a boon). After installing the Windbooster and testing all the modes I have settled for ‘Sport+’ with intensity level at 6. The lag is gone, and it drives just like an usual car. You won’t be left wanting in most situations. Its a fantastic little thing. Bonus is when you go off-roading, just toggle back to ‘Normal’ mode and you are good to go.
- 100 kmph with cruise control is relaxing. Its not busy at all to the contrary where there were scepticism about highway cruising.
- Fuel efficiency in mixed cycle of 50% city and 50% highway is hovering around 11.5 kmpl. I do think this will go up a bit.
- The ride quality is superlative and most importantly silent. Good roads, no problem, bad roads no problem, no road no problem. One issue though is on sharp speed breakers, the rear suspension is bouncy.
- The A/C is pretty amazing.
- The steering is hard at parking speeds. Getting used to this. Takes 5 secs more of your time while parking in tight spots.
- The turning radius is a non issue most of the time, except for tight U-Turns.
- Overall build is light but sturdy.
- The brakes are spongy, and its strictly adequate, EBC says they are looking at replacement brake pads for the Jimny. Lets see when can I get a set of the same. But the good part is there is negligible nose dive compared to other 4X4s.
- The attention its getting is still high. Most of times its an irritant, some times you feel nice.
Enjoy the couple of pictures:
Now coming to the modifications:
Exterior:
1. DRLs which double up as indicators. Looks stunning with the OEM level detailing:
2. Fog lamps – Brand – Maxxlink – currently set at only low beam, compliments the headlights fantastically. I will look to add the high beam functionality as soon as I get an installer who will reliably say that he will do it.
3. Matte tactical grille.
4. Roof wrap (bear in mind there will be bubbles which will need to be sorted out if you plan to do this at the beginning because of the ribbed roof.
5. Rear LED tail lights – word of caution- do ask them before buying if there are resistors inbuild for the rear indicators, otherwise it will hyper flash. This was the case for me and it got sorted when I added resistors for both indicators – 6 Ohm 50W varieties.
6. Farad Lock nuts – I am yet to install, post the install will remove the stepney cover.
7. This stunning 4X4 sticker
8. Others include front bumper skid plate and side claddings which I have chosen to install out of the complete Thunder Kit that we got for free at the time of purchase.
Interior:
1. Driver side cupholder cum phone holder from Amazon JP. I love the tactile feel of this item.
2. Centre storage space from Amazon JP. The complete thing is rubberised and hence no rattles even if you keep metal items on it. Great find this.
3. Passenger side storage bag. Looks uber cool according to me.
4. Armrest. Very good quality and totally serves my purpose with a nifty storage space. Blends with the interior as well.
5. Sun blinds from official accessories catalogue from Nexa. Also purchased their boot mat. Both good quality products.
6. GFX mats
7. Upgraded the cabin lights to white LEDs.
8. Rear ceiling storage for nick knacks. I have bought the storage net from Nexa and then fixed it as on the picture below. For this you would need the luggage hooks that are available from 4Xforza.
9. Key cover
10. Windbooster
11. I have chosen to install the seat covers, tan attachments for the grab handles, the illuminated door sill guards and the front door appliques.
Really happy with the overall outcome. I will soon go for a Dashcam and get the doors damped. Oh am I smitten after hearing the Fujitsubo axle back exhaust? You bet.
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