Maruti Ignis Alpha

About Maruti Ignis Alpha

Choosing a new car in India is quite an adventure, isn't it? You are not just looking for a ride; you are looking for a companion that fits your budget, keeps you safe, won't break the bank with monthly maintenance, comes packed with the latest features, and promises reliable company service. It is a big decision, and we understand that. That is why today, we are taking a deep dive into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for the urban Indian buyer: the new Maruti Ignis Alpha. Let us see if this compact yet quirky hatchback, often called a micro-SUV, lives up to its promise.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L K12M VVT Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Max Power: 83 PS (81.8 bhp) at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque: 113 Nm at 4200 rpm
• Fuel Efficiency (ARAI claimed): Around 20.89 km/l (Manual and AMT variants).

Design Overview

The Maruti Ignis Alpha stands out with its unique design.

• Exterior: It boasts an SUV-inspired stance with chunky bumpers, roof rails, and wheel arch cladding for a rugged look. LED projector headlamps with U-shaped DRLs add a premium touch. The distinctive C-pillar design and stylish alloy wheels (Alpha variant) complete its bold presence, ideal for navigating Indian cities.
• Interior: Inside, a dual-tone dashboard offers a modern and practical feel. The layout is clean and user-friendly, with the infotainment screen at the centre. The cabin feels spacious for its size, especially in the front. Materials are durable and functional for the segment.

Key Features

The Alpha trim, being the top variant, offers a good set of features.

• Infotainment: 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control.
• Controls: Multi-function steering wheel.
• Convenience: Engine Push Start/Stop button with Smart Key, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs.
• Lighting: LED Projector Headlamps with DRLs.
• Parking: Rear parking sensors with camera display.

Note: Features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are not available on the Maruti Ignis Alpha.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti Ignis Alpha?

• Ground Clearance: 180 mm. This helps tackle varied Indian road conditions and speed breakers.

What is the Boot Space of Maruti Ignis Alpha?

• Boot Space: 260 litres. Adequate for daily use and weekend trips.

What is the Dimensions of Maruti Ignis Alpha?

• Length: 3700 mm
• Width: 1690 mm
• Height: 1595 mm
• Wheelbase: 2435 mm

These compact dimensions make it easy to drive and park in congested areas.

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Ignis Alpha offers a single, refined engine with two transmission choices.

• Engine: 1.2-litre K12M Petrol Engine.
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) or 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

Safety Features

Essential safety features are standard on the Ignis.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Seatbelt Reminders for front occupants
• High-speed alert system

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is crucial. Here are the crash test ratings.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP	3 Stars	3 Stars	Tested in 2019 under older protocols for India-spec model.
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Tested	Not Yet Tested	Newer program; Ignis has not been assessed by Bharat NCAP yet.

Rivals of Maruti Ignis Alpha

The Maruti Ignis Alpha competes with several strong rivals in the compact car and micro-SUV segments.

• Tata Punch
• Citroen C3
• Hyundai Exter
• Mahindra KUV100 NXT

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Maruti Ignis Alpha.

Advantages

• Peppy & Fuel-Efficient Engine: The 1.2L petrol engine is smooth, responsive, and delivers excellent mileage, making it economical for daily commutes.
• City-Friendly & High Ground Clearance: Its compact size ensures easy manoeuvrability and parking. The 180mm ground clearance tackles bad roads and speed breakers effortlessly.
• Maruti Suzuki Service: Enjoy peace of mind with Maruti Suzuki's vast and reliable service network across India.
• Good Features for Price: The Alpha variant offers a decent list of modern features like the touchscreen, automatic climate control, and LED headlamps for its segment.

Disadvantages

• Interior Plastic Quality: Some might find the interior plastics a bit hard, lacking the premium feel of certain rivals.
• Limited Rear Legroom: Rear legroom can be tight for taller adults on longer journeys.
• High-Speed Stability: Being lightweight, it can feel a bit unsettled at very high highway speeds, though it is stable at urban speeds.
• Missing Aspirational Features: Lacks features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging which are offered by some newer competitors.
• Noise Insulation: Engine and road noise can be noticeable inside the cabin, especially at higher RPMs.

Conclusion

The Maruti Ignis Alpha is a car with a distinct personality. It is for those who value a compact footprint, a peppy and fuel-efficient engine, and the unwavering reliability of the Maruti Suzuki brand. If you are a city dweller, a first-time buyer, or someone looking for a stylish, easy-to-drive, and low-maintenance car that can handle varied roads, the Ignis Alpha deserves your attention. While it might miss a few fancy features of some newer rivals, its core strengths of practicality, efficiency, and widespread service support make it a very compelling package for prospective car buyers in India. Test drive it and see if the Maruti Ignis Alpha is the right fit for your urban adventures!