Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Buying a new car is always an exciting journey, isn t it? But let s be honest, it s also filled with a lot of questions. We think about our budget, how safe the car will be for our family, what the monthly maintenance costs look like, if it has all the latest features, and of course, how good the company s service network is. In India, Maruti Suzuki is a name that often comes to mind when we talk about trust and value. Today, we re going to take a deep dive into one of their unique offerings, a car that truly stands out from the crowd: the new Maruti Suzuki Ignis.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis comes with a refined and efficient engine that s perfect for both city commutes and occasional highway runs.

• Engine Type: 1.2L K12N Dual Jet Dual VVT Petrol Engine
• Maximum Power: 81.80 bhp (at 6000 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 113 Nm (at 4200 rpm)
• Fuel Efficiency: Approximately 20.89 kmpl (ARAI certified) for both Manual and AMT variants

Design Overview

The Ignis has a design that s hard to ignore. It s quirky, bold, and has a distinct personality.

• Exterior Design: The Ignis boasts a unique SUV-like stance with a tall boy design. It features stylish LED projector headlamps with U-shaped LED DRLs, a wide grille with chrome accents, and sporty roof rails. The flared wheel arches and unique alloy wheel designs give it a rugged yet urban appeal. It definitely stands out in traffic.
• Interior Design: Step inside, and you are greeted by a dual-tone black and ivory interior that feels spacious. The dashboard has a neat and uncluttered layout with a floating infotainment system. The circular AC vents and body-coloured inserts (depending on the variant) add a touch of youthfulness. The seats are comfortable, offering good support for city drives.

Key Features

Despite its compact size, the Ignis is packed with features to enhance your driving experience and convenience.

• Infotainment System: 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Climate Control:
• Headlamps: LED Projector Headlamps with DRLs

Keyless Entry: Push Start/Stop button with Smart KeySteering: Steering-mounted audio and calling controlsSafety & Convenience: Rear parking sensors, Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMsNo Sunroof or 360-degree Camera: Please note that a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging are not available in the current Ignis models for the Indian market.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti Suzuki Ignis?

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis offers an impressive ground clearance of 180 mm, which is excellent for handling Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti Suzuki Ignis?

The Ignis provides a decent boot space of 260 litres, which is sufficient for your weekend getaways or daily shopping needs.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti Suzuki Ignis?

• Length: 3700 mm
• Width: 1690 mm

Height: 1595 mmWheelbase: 2435 mm

Powertrain Options

The Ignis is available with two transmission options for its 1.2-litre petrol engine:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
• 5-speed Auto Gear Shift (AGS) also known as Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Ignis with a range of safety features to ensure occupant protection.

• Dual Front Airbags (standard across all variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• Seat Belt Pre-tensioners and Force Limiters
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts (for child safety seats)
• High-Speed Alert System
• Hill Hold Assist (available in AMT variants)

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding car safety is crucial. Here s how the Maruti Suzuki Ignis has performed in NCAP tests:

Test Protocol	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP (2019)	1 Star	0 Star	Tested under older Global NCAP protocols. The vehicle structure was rated as unstable.
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Tested	Not Yet Tested	As of now, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis has not undergone testing by Bharat NCAP.

Rivals of Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis competes in a competitive segment. Its main rivals include:

• Maruti Suzuki Swift
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
• Citroen C3
• Tata Punch (considered a micro-SUV, but competes on price)
• Hyundai Exter (another micro-SUV, competing for similar buyers)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let s weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you decide if the Ignis is the right fit for you.

Pros

• Fuel Efficient: The 1.2L petrol engine is highly efficient, offering great mileage for daily commutes.
• Peppy Engine: The K12N engine is known for its refinement and peppy performance, making city driving enjoyable.
• AMT Convenience: The AMT option makes driving in city traffic incredibly easy and stress-free.
• High Ground Clearance: 180 mm of ground clearance is a huge plus for tackling Indian roads.
• Unique Styling: Its distinctive design helps it stand out from the crowd.
• Maruti Suzuki s Network: Extensive service network and affordable spare parts ensure peace of mind.
• Compact Size: Easy to maneuver and park in tight spots.

Cons

• Polarising Design: While unique, its design might not appeal to everyone s taste.
• Interior Quality: Some plastics in the cabin feel a bit hard, which could be improved.
• Rear Space: Rear legroom is adequate for two adults, but three might feel a bit squeezed on longer journeys.
• No Diesel Option: Only available with a petrol engine, which might be a drawback for those seeking a diesel.
• Older NCAP Rating: The 1-star Global NCAP rating (from 2019 under older protocols) might be a concern for safety-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is truly a unique offering in the compact car segment. It s designed for those who want something different, a car that reflects their personality, without compromising on practicality. With its peppy and fuel-efficient engine, convenient AMT option, high ground clearance, and Maruti s legendary reliability and service network, the Ignis makes a strong case for itself, especially for city dwellers, young professionals, or small families.

While its design might be a matter of personal taste and the older NCAP rating is something to consider, the Ignis delivers a hassle-free ownership experience. If you are looking for a compact car that s easy to drive, inexpensive to maintain, and has a distinctive presence on the road, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis should definitely be on your test-drive list. It s more than just a car; it s a statement.