Maruti Suzuki Ignis

A new dealership format was launched by Maruti Suzuki in 2015 especially for premium cars known as NEXA. Many new models like Ciaz, Baleno, S-Cross etc. were launched at the beginning. S-Cross being the first one to catch the eyes of everyone in this premium segment; a perfect launch for this NEXA dealership was made.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis is the latest kid on the block. It’s been quite sometime after it has been launched but, it is a kind of car you haven’t seen before.

Ignis was seen in the early 2000s in the Japanese and European market by different names. Soon it disappeared from the market only to reappear in 2016 as a small crossover in the Indian market as the second generation of this species.

Today, we are going to review the well known or should I say, well recognised compact crossover car in India.

Source: NEXA India

Specifications

Petrol

Dimensions

Length x Width x Height (mm)**	3700 x 1690 x 1595
Wheel Base (mm)	2435
Ground Clearance (mm)*	180
Seating Capacity	5
Boot Space (With Parcel Tray)	260 L
Fuel Tank Capacity	32 L

Transmission

Type	5 MT / AMT

Drive Performance

Front Brakes	Disc
Rear Brakes	Drum
Front Suspension	McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Torsion Beam
Power Steering Type	Electrical

Engine

Type	VVT
Displacement (cc)	1197
Number of Cylinders	4
Max Power (kw@rpm)	61@6000
Max Torque (Nm@rpm)	113@4200

Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency (km/l)

20.89

Looks and Design

This compact crossover is definitely for the millennials. Yes, those who are between the age of 20 to 35. The looks are quite good and catchy, anyone looking at it will not have a contemptuous look on their face but, a smirk can be expected.

LED projector headlamps with DRLs at the front is a highlight in the designing. It helps in giving the subcompact car a big SUV look. I am not exaggerating but, you may confuse it for an SUV if you see it from far away (a little SUV).

Source: NEXA India

Source: NEXA India

It may look small/tiny but, the case is not the same when you get inside. The inside is very comfortable and enough space is available for seating for 5 adults.

The cabin is really cool, bold and striking design on the dashboard and few retro looking switch makes it irresistible for the millennials. And plus, there is an iPad like touchscreen available.

Source: NEXA India

Overall it is a small peppy car.

Performance and Ergonomics

Suzuki Ignis comes with smart play infotainment system. Android Auto, Apple Car Play and Mirror Link are all available in Ignis; which is not seen in any other NEXA models which have only Apple play. So many options, Maruti really hear what the customers say!

Source: NEXA India

Source: NEXA India

Source: NEXA India

Steering is tilt-adjustable, remote key entry and punch-start makes it look cool. Overtaking is very smooth in Ignis, thanks to the Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) available. But the problem with AMT is that it is available with only mid-range models and if you choose the high-end variants, you will not get AMT in it instead, the cool display and other features are added. Things companies do for reducing the price! The AMT is better than those available in the Celerio, WagonR and Alto.

Ignis must be the first diesel compact crossover Automatic hatchback in the market. If I am wrong, enlighten me in the comments.

Ignis is available in four variants namely; Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. The Ignis AMT is available in the Delta and Zeta variants only.

Now, when we look at the inside of the car, headroom seems to be enough for this small car, but are they enough for tall dudes. Of course yes, a six-foot guy can sit at the back seat with almost few centimetres gap between the roof and his head. Good for city ride but, on bumpy roads, you may hit the roof. 3 people can sit at the back seats; the middle one may have to squeeze in a bit. Now legroom is enough for everyone in the car, no case of fatigue will be experienced during a long journey. Sitting inside, the sound of the exhaust can be heard very clearly, not loud but, the sound is there. The car is very stable on highways, good feedback is there all the time. Stable steering, noisy when revved and so light whether its petrol or diesel variant.

Source: NEXA India

A 260 L boot space, slightly less than Swift Dzire but more than Swift. Dual front airbags makes it feel safe and, ABS with EBD just increases your confidence in driving. ‘No skidding’ is guaranteed with this technology.

Ground clearance is 180mm which is really good. We get engines of 1.2L in petrol variant and 1.3L in diesel variant. Don’t expect a small engine for this small car. The engine is quite powerful.

The on-road price varies for the different variants but, it comes to the level of Figo, i10 and Swift. But remember it is a premium car under NEXA, and this premium car is produced by Suzuki which is known for manufacturing midrange cars.

Price

EX-showroom price: RS. 5.7 -  7.05 lakhs

Final Verdict

Looks and design: 7/10

Specs & features: 9/10

Dynamics & performance:7/10

Safety & quality: 8/10

As I said, it’s a youngsters’ car and, an affordable premium car you can have to chill out with your friends in the city. All the features you need and all the fun you need is there.

In the end what I can say is, you can drive a Baleno (specs) at the price of a Swift. 

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