Maruti Suzuki Ignis: Here's what to expect

As the launch of Maruti’s much-anticipated Ignis approaches, we are back with our 'what to expect' article. For the uninitiated, Maruti Suzuki showcased the production-ready Ignis Concept at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo.

That said, it was quite similar to the production-spec model the Japanese automaker revealed later at the Paris Motor Show. Perhaps adding the ‘concept’ suffix was just a motor show shenanigan for Maruti Suzuki!   

The Maruti Ignis was supposed to be launched around the festive season. But that was not to be, and the launch was delayed, perhaps because of the high demand of the current models. Now, come January 2017, and the Ignis will go on sale in the European market and is likely to be launched around the same time in India as well. Here’s what we expect from Maruti’s brand-new crossover.

Design

The Ignis has a boxy design, especially the rear profile, with straight lines and high-set bonnet. At the front, it sports a large grille that runs across the width of the vehicle, engulfing the headlamps. At the rear, it features a sharply raked windscreen and dual-tone bumper.

It comes with all-around body cladding, and feature pronounced wheel arches. Both front and rear overhangs are extremely short, complementing its crossover DNA. It even has a thick rear quarter profile that imparts a macho feel to it. The vehicle rides on 15- or 16-inch wheels.

It will come with projector headlamps with daytime running LEDs, along with LED tail lamps. All in all, it doesn’t feature plain vanilla styling and will certain stand out from the crowd with its smaller proportions, chunky and boxy styling.  

As is the case with the exterior of the Ignis, the cabin is designed to look funky and youthful. Like the Euro-spec model, the Indian version is also likely to come with a black-and-white layout with contrasting highlights. Like most new-gen cars, the infotainment system in the Ignis is the floating type – protruding out of the dash just like its climate control unit. Also, it will be the first Suzuki in recent years that will feature fresh new interior elements – such as switchgear, steering wheel, and others – with almost no parts shared with other existing models.

In terms of features, as revealed by Suzuki at the Paris Motor Show, the Ignis will come with support for both Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto – probably an updated version of the seven-inch Suzuki SmartPlay infotainment system which presently supports only Apple CarPlay. The rear seat offers 50:50 split and it can recline as well, which also helps extend its boot space to 415 litres.  

Mechanicals

Though it will be available with the more powerful 1.2-litre DualJet petrol with SHVS (mild hybrid) in the European market, the Indian-spec car will come with the regular 1.2-litre motor found in the Swift and the Baleno. The engine puts out 84.3PS of power and 115Nm of torque. In India, it will also feature the 1.3-litre DDiS190 diesel (75PS/190Nm). A five-speed manual will be standard with the Ignis and it may also get a five-speed AMT (automated manual transmission) with the petrol motor, just like its European counterpart. Also, the European version will get Suzuki’s AllGrip AWD (all-wheel drive) system, apart from the standard FWD system (front-wheel drive). The Indian version is unlikely to get an AWD option.     

Price and Rivals

The primary rival of the Ignis will be the Mahindra KUV100, which was launched earlier this year. However, considering the goodies it will come with, the Ignis will have a relatively higher price tag. To be retailed from Nexa (Maruti’s premium range of dealerships) alongside the Baleno and the S Cross, we expect Maruti to price the Ignis in the vicinity of Rs 5 lakh.

Source: CarDekho.com