Maruti Suzuki Ignis: Maruti Suzuki Ignis was launched in Indian market in 2017 and it changed the way we looked at a conventional hatchback with style design language and crossover stance.
Sitting below Maruti’s premium retail channel, Nexa, the Ignis is aimed at young and style conscious urban buyers craving a bit of indulgence in an overcrowded pool of small cars.
Design Philosophy
The Ignis is styled with an oldschool/modern crossover hybrid theme about it. The tall-boy styling with a squared-off interior echoes classic Japanese kei cars and utilizes modern design cues.
The front end is highlighted by unique U-shaped LED daytime running lights, which complement a strong grille design and are finished by wheel arches at both front and rear and blacked-out A and B pillars.
Most famous, though, are the three slashes on the C-pillar that serve as a (deliberate throwback to the 1970s Suzuki Fronte Coupe) reminder from Maruti that it wants to imbue this current model with elements from its past heritage.
Where most hatchbacks of today have either swoopy lines or are styled with an unsorted geometric design that comes through as an afterthought, the Ignis, in a marked departure, celebrates angularity and figuration all over.
Cabin and Features
Inside the cabin, we still see Suzuki’s offbeat design language with a ‘floating’ layered dash, now featuring more horizontal emphasis.
The centrally placed 7-inch SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is flanked by toggle-style switches for the automatic climate control and a little touch of airplane-inspired flair.
The cabin is surprisingly roomy for such a small car, and the tall roof gives enough headroom.
And while that otherwise small 260-liter boot also has an expandable capacity when you need it with the 60:40 split rear seats. Higher variants include:
LED projector headlamps
Keyless entry and push-button start are available.
Automatic climate control
Reverse parking camera
Multi-function steering wheel
Driver’s seat height adjuster
Performance Dynamics
The car is propelled by Maruti’s tried and trusted 1.2-litre K-series petrol motor that churns out 83bhp and 113Nm. Transmission options are 5-speed manual and an AMT called by the name of “Auto Gear Shift”.
The extremely low overall weight of only about 865to 900kilo grams give the vehicle a lively performance even with its low output.
The 180mm high ground clearance overcomes urban obstacles with ease and the 4.80-metre turning radius makes manoeuvring in the city a breeze.
The suspension package provides a good compromise between comfort in daily driving and reasonable handling, but high-speed stability is limited by the tall ride height.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis – PositivesRequiredMixin: To begin with, pros and cons of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
Styling: In a conservative segment the ignis stands apart with its distinctive looks.
Punchy Powertrain: The K-series motor provides spirited performance, while maintaining a respectable (20 KMPL) fuel efficiency figure throughout the city.
Small Footprint: External dimensions are ideal for busy city streets and tight parking.
Plush Experience : The Nexa position delivers all the bells and whistles a car in this range could possibly offer.
Robust After Sales Network: Maruti’s service network is unrivalled, offering peace of mind through ownership.
Cons of Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Love-it-or-leave-it looks: The oddball design is a love-it or hate-it type of thing and might not appeal to more conservative shoppers.
Interior Materials: Plastics feel cheapish, rather than purely utilitarian despite the premium positioning.
Three adults are not comfortable on long rides due to the compact size (rear seat).
Highway Manners: Autobhan fixture status, sensitivity to high-speed stability and crosswinds can be an issue.
Few Engine Choices:No diesels, no turbos mean limited options.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis: Market Positioning
The Ignis fits in a sweet spot in Maruti’s massive lineup and appeals to those who believe the regular hatchbacks are too basic – and don’t yet feel a need for the size and practicality of the bigger crossovers.
It nicely straddles a couple of segments — the practicality of a tall-boy design, the stance of a micro-SUV and the footprint of a compact hatchback.
Though it might not stack up in terms of sales numbers to a car from Maruti’s mass-market line-up, the Ignis has managed to find a sizeable group of young city-based fans who value the car for its practicality, efficiency and unique flavour.
It is this mix, you see, which still ensures that Maruti keeps this little-flamboyant product in news, thanks to timely upgrades (read bloated variants) and special editions in the age of maximally-bloated crossovers!
