The smallest SUV around
trim and air vents. The exterior can be personalised too, using various colour highlights.
It all adds up to a colourful little car that offers plenty of appeal; a crossover that is a fun alternative to the traditional micro hatchback – or, as Suzuki NZ managing director Tom Peck put it at a media event near Auckland, a means of getting away from a degree of sameness within the micro car segment.
Ignis is built on the same lightweight platform as the Baleno hatch, and as a result its kerb weight is a trim 820kg with manual transmission and 865kg as an automatic, which contributes to great fuel economy – the manual model returns 4.7 L/100km, while automatic versions return 4.9 L/100km.
Three versions go on sale in New Zealand. An entry GLX is available with a choice of a fivespeed manual or continuously variable CVT automatic with hill hold control, while a higher specification Limited is offered with CVT automatic. Prices are $18,990 and $20,500 for the GLX models, and $22,500 for the Limited.
All models are powered by Suzuki’s Dualjet direct-injected 1.2-litre K12C four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine that produces 66kw of power at 6000rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4400rpm.
That’s sufficient to give the Ignis a good amount of pep – in fact its power to weight ratio of 8.05kw per 100kg is the highest in the market segment, well above its sibling the Swift which has 6.97 and above other competitors such as the Mazda2 which has 7.82.
Ignis’ 180mm ground clearance means the seating is elevated, the little vehicle boasting 615mm front seat hip points, 615mm above the ground, with the rear seat measurement 650mm, which make it easy to get in and out of the car. On the Limited model the rear seats are split 50:50 and individually slide as well as recline for improved rear legroom, while the GLX versions have 60:40 split folding fixed rear seats. Load space with the rear seats upright is 271 litres, increasing to a maximum of 1104 litres with both rear seats folded.
Specification levels are good. The GLX comes with air conditioning and pollen filter, cruise control with speed limiter, electric windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors. Fabric seat material is standard on GLX and has contrast stitching on the Limited, and the steering column is adjustable for both tilt and reach.
A computer displays both instantaneous and average fuel consumption and fuel range distance to empty, while there is a four-speaker audio system – six speakers on the Limited. All models have Bluetooth audiostreaming and hands-free calling, remote central door locking, a digital clock and an outside temperature gauge. Audio and phone controls are located on the three spoke leather-bound steering wheel that has audio and cruise control with speed limiter.
Halogen multi-reflector headlamps, front fog lamps, body coloured mirrors and door handles and rear wiper and washer are included in the GLX package, while the Limited model adds climate control air conditioning, keyless entry with push button start, Bosch touchscreen tuner with satellite navigation, Apply Carplay, Android Auto and a reversing camera.
This higher specification version also comes with a chrome front grille surround, LED protector headlamps with automatic levelling, automatic dusk-sensing headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and privacy glass for the rear window and hatchback glass. The vehicle also has a ‘‘guide me home’’ light function which leaves the lights on for a short period when motorists either leave the car or use the remote control to unlock the doors.
Safety? Electronic stability programme (ESP), ABS with EBD, brake assist, six airbags and side impact beams are all standard fit, and the automatic models have hill-holding control, and shift lock and key interlock.
It all adds up to a new Ignis that promises to slot nicely into Suzuki’s lineup of little cars in New Zealand. The company is forecasting initial annual sales of around 800.