2017 Suzuki Ignis First Drive Review | Tiny SUV Fills A Huge Gap In The Market
Suzuki has revived the Ignis name and applied it to what it calls a “light SUV” and unlike the previous Ignis which filled in for the Swift between 2000 and 2005, the new Ignis will sell alongside the Swift in a two-pronged light car approach for the brand.
Officially light SUV doesn’t yet exist under Australia’s new car sales reporting, so the Ignis gets lumped in the same category as larger small SUVs like the Suzuki Vitara, Honda HRV and Mazda CX-3.
But rather than swaying buyers from small cars, the Ignis exists to lure light hatch buyers that might have considered a Toyota Yaris or Holden Barina, and with pricing that’s just as sharp, and a distinctive style unlike any other hatchback in its segment the Ignis is sure to grab plenty of attention.
Vehicle Style: Small SUV
Price: $15,990-$18,900 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 66kW/120Nm 1.2 litre 4cyl petrol | 5sp manual, CVT automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 4.7-4.9 l/100km | Tested: 6.8 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Suzuki has kept the Ignis range simple. There are just two models, the entry level GL with a choice of five-speed manual or CVT automatic, or the upscale GLX which is only available with a CVT automatic. Both are powered by a 66kW 1.2-litre petrol four-cylinder.
Along with chunky styling including throwbacks to the Suzuki’s first ever sporty microcar, the Cervo of the 1970s, in the glasshouse and C-Pillar, the Ignis also stands out thanks to its personalisation options.