SUZUKI IGNIS

Although there’s been some chest puffery about the Ignis scoring World Urban Car runner-up, just to prove that a crossover can get down and dirty, our launch route schedule sent us scuttling down a dirt road, shaking our fillings loose on a bumpy pockmarked farm track and then tiptoeing along what (when the rains come) will be a river bed. Kerb-climbing… oh, puhleez. We’re talking 180 mm of clearance here. Like some of its other compact siblings, the funky Ignis is powered by Suzuki’s smooth-running 61 kw 1,2, mated with 5-speed gearboxes – either manual or auto. Torque peaks at a modest 113 N.m, good enough to keep a steady pace up Du Toitskloof Pass, though you really won’t have anything in hand for snappy overtaking manoeuvres.

Boot space is a healthy 260 litres (even with the full- sized spare in place). Standard specification includes electric windows, remote central locking, air- conditioning, electric power steering, dual front airbags, ABS brakes and an MP3compatible CD sound system with USB port and 12 V accessory power socket. Interior comfort and space are pretty decent, considering, and the dashboard’s crisp horizontal lines create a neat, organised look. I got to drive only the manual version and loved the slick, positive shifts, but didn’t feel nearly as well disposed towards the curiously numb steering, which does take a little getting used to. Price: R179 000 – R204 000.

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