The Maruti Ignis, launched in 2016 and receiving a recent update in February 2023, has carved a niche for itself in the Indian car market. Marketed as a “Compact Urban SUV,” the Ignis blends the practicality of a hatchback with the sturdiness and higher ground clearance of an SUV, making it a compelling choice for city dwellers.
Design and Style:
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The Ignis boasts a bold and youthful design. Its boxy silhouette with prominent creases and a high bonnet gives it a muscular stance. The chrome grille, LED projector headlamps, and stylish alloy wheels further enhance its visual appeal. The car comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including Lucent Orange, Nexa Blue, and Silky Silver, allowing buyers to personalize their ride.
Interior and Features:
Stepping inside, the Ignis offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its compact size. The black and silver interior theme creates a modern feel, while the use of fabric and plastic keeps the cost down. The dashboard features a user-friendly layout with a touchscreen infotainment system offering smartphone connectivity, audio controls, and navigation.
While some users might find the plastic quality slightly lacking compared to premium hatchbacks, the Ignis packs in a decent amount of features for its price point. These include automatic climate control, push-button start, keyless entry, and a multifunction steering wheel. The rear seats offer decent legroom and headroom for two adults or three children comfortably.
Performance and Engine:
The Ignis is powered by a single 1.2-liter petrol engine compliant with BS6 Phase 2 emission norms. This engine generates 82 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque. While not the most powerful option, it offers adequate performance for city commutes and occasional highway runs. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) offering a clutchless driving experience. The claimed fuel efficiency of the Ignis is 20.89 kmpl, making it a fuel-efficient option for daily use.
Safety and Reliability:
Maruti Suzuki is known for its reliable and affordable cars, and the Ignis is no exception. It comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiters as standard features. However, it is important to note that the Ignis scored a disappointing one-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests, raising concerns about its overall safety.
Price and Competition:
The Maruti Ignis is a budget-friendly option, with prices starting from ₹5.84 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant and going up to ₹8.25 lakh for the top-end model. This makes it a competitive offering in the compact SUV segment, where it rivals the Tata Tiago NRG, Mahindra KUV100 NXT, and the Renault Kwid.
Overall, the Maruti Ignis is a unique proposition for urban buyers seeking a stylish, practical, and fuel-efficient car at an affordable price. While its safety rating might be a concern for some, its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and long list of features make it a compelling option for city driving.
