Sizing up Suzuki’s new Ignis Sizing up Suzuki’s new Ignis
Suzuki is a whizz when it comes to small cars. Just look at the Ignis, Suzuki’s engaging new ultra compact SUV... Sizing up Suzuki’s new Ignis

Suzuki is a whizz when it comes to small cars. Just look at the Ignis, Suzuki’s engaging new ultra compact SUV that’s brand new on the market as of January 2017.

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Ignis comes to market as a fun urban crossover, albeit downsized compared to the vast majority you’ll likely to come across these days. It’s a new 1.2-litre player, based off a new platform, designed to sit above the Celerio yet below the Swift in Suzuki’s compact car line up.

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In the metal, that bold Ignis design really does give it an edge. Small, tough looking, honed and with a definite utilitarian edge to it, the Ignis looks like nothing else on the road.

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Well, almost. As Suzuki admits, the Ignis design carries clear cues from Suzuki’s greatest hits back catalogue. From the original Vitara (Escudo in Japan) comes that rugged clamshell bonnet look.

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Those angled slits near the C-pillars are a clear nod to the fondly remembered Suzuki SC100 Whizzkid from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Retro, yes, but skillfully put together, you have to say.

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I first came across the Ignis at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show where on a busy Suzuki stand, it shared space with the fabulously named Hustler and Lapin (among others).

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Fast forward to September 2016 and the European Ignis was unveiled. Now, it’s here in the UK, on sale across a six model range, spanning £9999 – £13,999 OTR.

Base model is the new Ignis 1.2 Dualjet SZ-3, good for 90 ps and 104 g/km for C02. Then there’s the higher spec SZ-T (£11,499) or the same model with five-speed automated box (£12,299) over the standard five-speed manual.

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You also get the option of Suzuki’s 1.2 SHVS (mild hybrid). This is a compact boost system as opposed to a full EV. Same power but you do get superior eco numbers (97 g/km and 65.7 combined mpg) without serious weight or price penalty.

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I tried two such Ignis SHVS models on Suzuki’s recent media launch, one front-wheel-drive, the latter with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP permanent 4WD system.

On the move, you soon discover the Ignis to be a typically light, compact Japanese car, easy to drive, comfortable and well mannered. Up front, the Suzuki’s four cylinder 1242 cc unit is a delight, smooth, eager, unafraid of high revs. The energy assistance provided by the SHVS tech also shortens the 0-62 mph dash to 11.4 secs versus the non hybrid’s 13.5 secs.

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The Ignis proves both stable on the motorway and agile through town but when pressing on, steering response and body control could be sharper. Switching to the ALLGRIP model, immediately the dynamics step up. The Ignis now feels much tauter and keener through corners but the pay off is a somewhat firmer ride.

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Probably most will buy the Ignis for how it looks and what it’s like inside and in those departments, the little Suzuki makes the grade. In fact, cabin presentation and quality are well up for a baby crossover in this price bracket.

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Space is good and on all but the base version, there are two individually sliding/reclining rear seats, either to increase luggage space or rear legroom. Neat.