The Mahindra Thar looks massive next to the Maruti Jimny 5-door, and it could be released in India soon.

Maruti Suzuki is reportedly working on a new long-wheelbase Jimny that will make its global debut at the 2023 Auto Expo. The 5-door Jimny was first spotted testing in Europe in July. Now, spy photos of the Jimny being tested in India have surfaced on the internet. The new Mahindra Thar towers over the Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5 door, according to images. The new Mahindra Thar has a height of 1,844 mm, while the 3 door Jimny has a height of 1,730 mm. Notably, the three-door and upcoming five-door Jimny SUVs are expected to be the same height.

The upcoming five-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny will be powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder K15C petrol engine mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The K15B engine, a 1.5L NA petrol unit with 103 PS of peak power, powers the 3-door version. There are two transmission options: a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque-converter automatic, both with a part-time 4WD system.

Maruti Suzuki recently released the Grand Vitara in India. The new Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid will be sold through the NEXA network of dealerships and will be available in six trim levels: Sigma, Delta, Alpha, Alpha+, Zeta, and Zeta+. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara prices range from Rs. 10.45 lakh (ex-showroom) to Rs. 17.05 lakh (ex-showroom). The Intelligent Electric Hybrid eCVT is priced from Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom) to Rs 19.65 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door is expected to start around Rs 10 lakh ex-showroom. The five-door model is expected to have more boot space than the three-door model. The 5-door Jimny will be at least 100 kg heavier than the current 3-door model, weighing in at 1,190 kg (kerb weight).

Meanwhile, Mahindra is planning to launch the 5-door Thra in India soon. The stiffer platform, new penta-link suspension, and wider track of the new Mahindra Thar 5-door are expected to provide more road stability than the 3-door model. For those who are unaware, the 3-door Thar is under 4 metres long, while the 5-door model is approximately 4.3 metres long. The Scorpio N is 4.7 metres long and has a track that is 60mm wider than the Thar. The five-door Mahindra Thar is more of a family car than its predecessors, as it can comfortably seat more people.