Maruti Suzuki Ignis : The Maruti Suzuki Ignis has always been a car that marches to the beat of its own drum. It’s not a conventional hatchback or a full-blown SUV, but a unique blend of both, which Maruti Suzuki markets as a “Compact Urban SUV.” Sold through the premium NEXA dealerships, the Ignis targets a young, urban audience that values a distinct style, a high driving position, and the practicality that comes with a compact car.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s easy to drive in the city, fuel-efficient, and has a personality all its own, the Ignis is a strong contender.
Design That Breaks the Mold
The most noticeable thing about the Ignis is its quirky design. The boxy shape, high ground clearance, and unique design cues like the clam-shell bonnet and chunky wheel arches give it a rugged, mini-SUV-like stance. This style is not for everyone, but for those who love it, it makes the Ignis stand out from the sea of more traditional hatchbacks. Inside, the design is equally unconventional, with a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system and a minimalist dashboard.
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Performance and Efficiency
The Ignis is powered by a proven and refined 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine, which produces 82 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. This engine is a gem—it’s peppy and smooth, making the car feel quick and responsive, especially in city traffic. Its lightweight body adds to the feeling of agility.
You have a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). The AMT is a great option for city driving, as it provides the convenience of an automatic without the high cost. The official ARAI mileage for both manual and AMT variants is 20.89 kmpl. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 14-16 kmpl in the city and up to 18-20 kmpl on the highway, making it a very economical car to run.
Interior and Features
Despite its compact exterior, the Ignis offers a surprisingly spacious cabin. The tall-boy design provides ample headroom for all passengers, and the large windows create an airy feel. The rear seat offers decent legroom, and the 260-litre boot is sufficient for daily use.
On the features front, the top-end Alpha variant comes well-equipped with:
- A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Automatic climate control
- LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs
- Keyless entry and a push-button start/stop system
- Rear parking sensors and a reverse camera
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Safety Concerns
While the Ignis has a solid feature list, its safety rating is a point of concern. The Global NCAP crash test in 2022 gave the Ignis a 1-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 0-star rating for child occupant protection. The test noted an unstable bodyshell and poor protection for the driver’s chest. This is a critical factor for buyers, and it’s important to weigh this against the car’s other attributes.
