SUZUKI IGNIS
This is a city car that’s also as happy as a pig in muck, explains Jack Warrick
The Suzuki Ignis has the benefit of slotting into two market segments at once. Not only is it technically an SUV, but its size makes it an ideal city car, too. Measuring just 3.7m long, 1.7m wide and 1.6m tall, it’s barely larger than the Fiat 500 or Vauxhall Adam.
Launched in the UK in 2017 with an attractive sub-£10,000 price, the Ignis continues to be one of the best low-cost options to this day.
Despite its boxy look, this SUV is unexpectedly enjoyable to drive and offers brilliant fuel economy. Based on the same chassis as the Baleno supermini, it weighs a mere 855kg. This, in tandem with a short wheelbase, makes the Ignis surprisingly agile. It’s also the smallest car on sale that offers four-wheel drive –
Suzuki’s effective Allgrip system, which detects slip at the front of the vehicle and pushes power to the rear. You wouldn’t use an Ignis to climb Mount Fuji, but the system is desirable for those who regularly traverse the British countryside.
The Ignis is available with three engines. At launch, there was the 88bhp 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol with or without mild-hybrid tech (SHVS).
In 2020, these were replaced by an upgraded 1.2-litre Dualjet unit (with better fuel injection, pistoncooling jets and a variable-displacement oil pump) that had Suzuki’s new 12v Hybrid system, producing a slightly more modest 82bhp but returning improved fuel economy. Buyers have a choice of a fivespeed manual or CVT gearbox with each of the engines.
Any of these motors can send the Ignis to 62mph from a standstill in around 12sec. The little Suzuki has no trouble when pushed at higher speeds, either, and it’s dynamic enough to let you enjoy yourself behind the wheel.
To a certain extent, anyway. The Ignis is somewhat compromised in corners, being let down by slow and inconsistently weighted steering and considerable body roll.
The suspension has Macpherson struts at the front but an old-school torsion beam at the rear, so although the ride feels nicely cushioned to the driver (more so than in most city cars), early models are uncomfortable for passengers. New parts introduced in 2018 make this less of a problem.
The Ignis also loses points for its interior, which looks quite dated and contains lots of low-rent materials.
The Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto are streets ahead in this respect.
The Ignis range kicks off with SZ3 trim, which gets you front electric windows, air conditioning, six airbags, a DAB radio, Bluetooth and accommodation for five people.
The next-step SZ-T gains 16in alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and a reversing camera. It also has a more distinguished design, with roof bars and wheel-arch extensions. However, the central rear seat was lost in favour of a comfier two-person bench that tilts and slides.
Look to the SZ5 for climate control, keyless entry and start, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights and electric rear windows.
The Ignis was given a mid-life facelift in 2020, receiving some subtle design updates. A new five-spoke front grille brought the model more in line with the newer Jimny, while chunkier bumpers with silver inserts were added to both the front and the rear.