Su’s got the funk
T SEEMS that every car manufacturer imaginable is throwing its weight behind developing small SUVs these days and as the customer demand keeps on growing so the new models keep on coming.
The latest car to be unveiled meeting this criteria is the Suzuki Ignis, a fabulous little car that is well packaged, boasts funky styling, is fun to drive and even promises to be kind on the pocket.
Suzuki is no newcomer to the SUV scene and has built on all its expertise in the field to develop the Ignis, which takes its inspiration from the Swift and Vitara and looks pretty striking from any approach.
It features a distinctive 'face' with a strong front grille, flared wheel arches, LED lights, a clamshell bonnet, chunky shoulders and roof rails.
The interior is deceptively spacious with ample room for four adults to stretch out in style. In addition, the two individual rear seats can slide backwards and forwards to create either extra leg room or additional storage space in the boot.
Elsewhere the list of creature comforts is impressive and depending on the model chosen, include the likes of air conditioning, DAB radio with Bluetooth, sat nav, a seven-inch colour touchscreen with full smartphone connectivity, heated seats, air conditioning, a rearview camera and plenty more besides.
There is just one engine available - a 1.2-litre Dualjet 90bhp petrol - which was previously seen in the recently-launched Baleno. However, there is a choice when it comes to trim and customers can select from three specifications called SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5 and also opt for Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid system, along with an ALLGRIP four-wheel drive system plus auto or manual transmissions.
There are also 11 colours to choose from with full personalisation options available for both exterior and interior trim. This is clear indication that the Ignis aims to win over fans from the likes of the Vauxhall Adam, Fiat 500 and even the MINI, which all offer a vast range of personalisation packs.
The Ignis also features a whole host of safety features which become more comprehensive as you move up through the grades. In recent testing the SZ5 models have been awarded the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP safety ratings, while lower specced cars have achieved a three-star rating.
The new Ignis is another welcome contender in the compact SUV sector and Suzuki aims to sell up to 8,000 models in its first full year.