Suzuki Ignis shakes up crossovers

Crossovers seem to be getting smaller as interest in them gets bigger. Take this Suzuki Ignis, for example. It’s just 3.7m long, so it’s probably more accurate to call it a citycar-based crossover, though one that has a very fashion-orientated remit.

All Ignis buyers get a 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine, the one we’re familiar with elsewhere in Suzuki’s range in both the Swift and the Baleno.

As with the Baleno, Ignis buyers prepared to stretch towards top-spec trim have the option of ordering this powerplant in more frugal SHVS mild hybrid form. This compact and lightweight unit incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) which acts as both a generator and starter motor.

The ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking.

The SHVS system only uses its conventional engine starter motor when first started from cold.

Under all other conditions, it uses the ISG unit to allow smooth and quiet engine restarts.

The energy assistance provided during acceleration enables the SHVS to be known as a mild hybrid system which is ideally suited to a compact car and adds just 6.2kg to the overall weight.

SHVS buyers also get the option of Suzuki’s ALLGRIP AUTO four-wheel drive system.

First introduced in Swift, this is a well proven and simple fully automatic and permanent four-wheel drive layout which transfers additional torque to the rear wheels when required via a viscous coupling. Enhancements to the Ignis ALLGRIP system include Hill Descent Control and Grip Control. Grip Control activates on slippery surfaces at speeds of less than 18mph. Once switched on by the driver, it focuses torque on the driven wheels that have grip and will quickly apply braking to the wheel that is spinning.

The Ignis has a distinctive front face that integrates the striking gaze of the LED headlamps and the strong lines of the front grille. Suzuki hopes the robust shoulders will suggest strength whilst also adding character, while other nice touches include the unusually-angled rear side window which sits just in front of three slashes supposed to reference Suzuki’s classic SC100 ‘Whizzkid’ model.

Inside, the cabin is dominated by a large infotainment screen which looks rather stuck onto the middle of the dash – though that’s presumably an intentional styling device. The rounded shape of the air-conditioning system’s panel is nice and the distinctive instrument cluster design gives the cabin environment a more futuristic look than you’d find in other Suzukis.

This model’s all-new platform has helped the designers in minimising the size of the engine compartment which has enabled them to maximise the space available for cabin occupants and luggage. That means there’s more legroom in the rear than you might expect from a car of this size. There’s more luggage space too, 267-litres in standard models or 204-litres in 4WD ‘ALLGRIP’ variants. This, combined with the ability to fold down the rear seat-backs, makes it possible to accommodate a wide variety of luggage.

The Ignis is available in SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5 grades. As for prices, well they start at around £10,000 for the SZ3, rise to around £11,500 for the SZ-T and run further up to around £13,000 for an SZ5 with two-wheel drive. With this top trim level, there’s also the option of ALLGRIP 4WD.

Buyers get a choice of 11 colours with full personalisation options available for