STYLE MILES
Suzuki’s funky new Ignis has trendy retro looks and plenty of room to boot
When it comes to building micro, funky city cars or smallish but hardy, go-anywhere SUVs, no one does it better than Japanese manufacturers Suzuki.
There are masses of choice in the marque’s showrooms, with models including the evergreen Jimny and recently reworked Vitara and SX4 S- Cross models heading up the purposeful mini SUV sector. Then, there’s the sexy Swift and the Baleno and Celerio jostling for sales in the small hatchback sector.
Early next year, the Ignis joins the ranks. It’s a cross between an SUV and a city car and it will appeal to the younger set with its bold, in-your-face looks and retro styling.
It also offers something that is missing in all its competitors’ offerings – oodles of space.
This is a full four-seater that allows for even taller and larger people to stretch out in comfort on longer journeys, thanks to the two individual rear seats being able to slide back to maximise cabin space.
Mechanically, Suzuki have kept things simple, with just one engine available for the Ignis – the marque’s home- produced 89bhp 1.2- l itre Dualjet four-pot petrol unit.
There’s more on offer when it comes to creature comforts and on-board goodies. Even the entry- level SZ3 comes well- equipped, with air con, DAB radio and front electric windows.
Following on is the SZ-T, which will be the biggest-selling Ignis model in the UK. It comes with sat nav, larger alloy wheels, roof rails and a rear-view camera for ease of parking.
The range-topping SZ5 comes fully loaded. It is available with Suzuki’s mild hybrid system which offers fuel consumption of up to 65.7mpg. Buyers can also opt for Suzuki ’s AllGrip four-wheel-drive system.
I really enjoyed this hybrid gem when I drove it over a variety of roads around the outskirts of Rome.
With a standing to 62mph dash time set at 11.5seconds, it won’t set the heather alight. But once it got up to speed, it ploughed on quite merrily.
Beautifully put together and with everything at hand to make driving simplicity, the stylish Ignis is worth checking out for with its low price tag and running costs.
The young, trendy set and the young at heart will be flocking to the showrooms.