URBAN CAR: the checklist

When it comes to small cars, Suzuki can claim to have more expertise than most, given such long-running success stories as the Swift. Not surprisingly, the Japanese company had two finalists in this year’s World Urban Car competition. We asked Suzuki what makes a good urban car.

POPULAR MECHANICS: What are the char

Q acteristics of an urban car? Suzuki: Small, easy to drive, easy to A park, good visibility and safe. Have those characteristics changed over time? In general no, but safety has improved much over the past few years. Given that two out of three humans will be living in cities by 2050, how will this affect car designs and the industry as a whole? There will be less focus on making long distance grand tourers, given that most people in Europe and even now in SA are more likely to fly rather than drive long distance. Even 15 years ago there was no BMW 1 series, Audi A1 and Merc A class. These have been brought in over time. What are the big differences between urban and, well, non-urban cars? Performance: handling, acceleration, overtaking ability, and creature comforts – like ventilated seats and cameras that try to keep you awake. What makes the Ignis so well suited to the role of urban car? See above. The high ground clearance makes it easy to hop pavements and comfortably climb the evil speed bump. Suzuki had two finalists in the Urban Car of the Year; what makes the company so

well suited to this role? Or is it just coincidence that it had two new urban-compatible models out at the same time? Suzuki is known as the compact car expert company, and it’s what the main focus has been for many a year. The coincidence is simply that both cars were built in the same year. How does the Ignis fit into the crossover role at the same time? The 180 mm ground clearance, just 10 mm less than the 190 mm ground clearance of the Jimny, is the biggest contributor to its crossover status. Then, also, the chunky tyres play a role. Does an urban car necessarily have to be small? Yes. Does an urban car necessarily have to be cheap? No. Who would typically buy an urban car in general or an Ignis in particular? People of all ages and lifestyles live in cities and they all have different needs. The Ignis is going to satisfy the needs of those who want entry level, possibly first car, from around 25 – 35, either single or married and not likely to have kids yet (although maybe, the car does have Isofix points, so they can.)