2016 Auto Expo: Maruti Suzuki Ignis Top 5 facts

Thousands of SUV lovers of India thronged at the 2016 Auto Expo, especially to get a closer look at the new Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, and most gave the compact SUV a big thumbs up. To make their treat twice as sweet, Maruti also unveiled an even smaller and cuter SUV in the shape of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis. Let’s dive in to some of the interesting fasts and go through the specifications of the new Maruti Ignis.

Size and Positioning

The recently launched Mahindra KUV100 was enjoying its position as the sole offering in the mini-SUV segment of India till the unveiling of the new Maruti Suzuki Ignis, now its direct competition. At 3,693mm the Maruti Ignis is about 20mm longer in overall length and wheelbase than the KUV100, but isn’t as tall as the Mahindra.

The Ignis will be positioned under the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza which is a Ford Ecosport rival. Our guess is that the new Maruti Ignis could be priced just over the Mahindra KUV100, starting around Rs 5.5 lakh for the entry level model, while the top of the line Ignis would cost close to Rs 8 lakh. 

Design and Proportions

One of the strengths of the Maruti Ignis is its subtle, understated design and well-crafted proportions. This will be appealing for those mini-SUV buyers who do not want excessive bling and radical styling.

The headlights and grille are neatly integrated, and the LED daytime running lights add to the cool quotient. While the high bonnet, chunky bumper and chrome trimmed fog lamps give it a robust SUV-like stance.

The Ignis has few simple crease lines running through the profile of the car, accentuated by soft corners, as seen on many European cars. What further makes the design attractive are its large wheels arches filled by the concept car’s oversized wheels.

The large panel on the C-pillar comes stamped with three diagonal lines to break monotony. While the old-school design of the rear of the Maruti Ignis makes its unique at the cost of being termed by critics as a bit oddball. 

Interior and features

Thanks to its larger proportion and smart use of space, there is decent room within the Maruti Ignis cabin. The seat size seems appropriate and so does the rear knee-room. Being a tall design, getting in and stepping out of the Ignis will be relatively easy for most. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two grown-ups or three children.

We particularly like the dual-tone dashboard design, which is an ideal combination for India and looks rather upmarket. The other highlight is the new steering wheels, which thankfully is NOT borrowed from the Maruti Swift, and give the cabin a fresh look. Keeping true to the premium tag, Maruti has equipped the Ignis with a fancy tablet-like touchscreen on the centre console, along with funky dials to control the air-conditioning system. With these features and better finish, Maruti is hoping to lure more premium car buyers towards the Ignis.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Nexa Dealerships

Speaking about premium car buyers, the new Maruti Ignis will be the third car model to be sold from the upmarket Maruti Nexa showroom across India. The other two models on sale currently include the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the S-Cross. As you might have guessed already, the much talked about Maruti Vitara Brezza will be available through the usual Maruti Suzuki dealerships.

Engine and gearbox

According to Maruti executives, the company is working on the existing engine range to enhance its performance and fuel efficiency for the new Maruti Ignis. So, expect the new mini-SUV from Maruti to be powered by the tried and tested 1.2-litre K series engine as seen on the popular Maruti Swift and Baleno, albeit in an updated avatar. In time, Maruti may also consider offering a diesel variant powered by the 1.3-litre DDiS engine sourced from Fiat. Both the petrol and diesel engine options will come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. We do not expect the Maruti Ignis to get an automated manual transmission (AMT), but instead there will be a CVT option just like the Maruti Baleno.