Suzuki are on a bit of a product offensive and their delivery is getting more and more generous. In recent years, Ireland has been introduced to the new Vitara, Celerio and Baleno, and as well as that we saw a very-much facelifted SX4 S-Cross. Now they’re bringing their brand-new Suzuki Ignis to the table. All models in Ireland come with a choice of either a 1.2 litre Dualjet engine or a 1.2 litre Hybrid System. They are available in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive.
The new Ignis is built on their newest platform, which was also used in the Baleno. The Ignis itself can weigh as little as 810kg. While this car is about the size of the Suzuki Celerio, the manufacturer has worked hard to make it as SUV-like as possible and this is what we'd call a Baby SUV or a City SUV. Ride-height is excellent considering the size of the vehicle and it has a ground clearance of 180mm. To add to that SUV-effect, it’s great that this car can be bought with a 4x4 system. The system works by transferring torque to the rear wheels when needed. While this may have some 4x4 capabilities, we’re guessing that it’ll be good enough to get you out of a snowy pickle, but I wouldn’t be driving it on the tougher courses.
The design of the Suzuki Ignis is quirky to say the least, and we like it. However, we are sure that it won't be for everyone. There is also a very interesting colour pallet available for the exterior. These same colours can also be brought inside and they spice up the interior materials.
The interior plastics are cheap to the touch, but it looks a lot better than the dash that you would see in the SX4 S-Cross. Everything is laid out well and from middle trim up, there is a very intelligent and easy-to-use infotainment system. These cars are nicely kitted-out from entry level up – we’ll cover trims a little later.
On the road, the Suzuki Ignis offers a fun ride. We know that this car offers just 89hp, but the noise that this little engine makes while you constantly change through the gears is nearly satisfying – although, in city traffic, this could prove annoying. From low speeds, however there is an abundance of road noise and once you get to motorway speeds, you will also hear wind noises bouncing off the body and around by the wing mirrors. You will also feel some body roll on corners and the steering is slightly vague. The suspension set-up is suited well-enough to Irish roads – it’s not too bumpy. On-paper, this machine does not offer staggering statistics. Getting from 0-100km/h, depending on which model you go for, will take you from anywhere between 11.1 and 11.8 seconds. It appears that other markets have access to a five-speed automatic gearbox, but as far as we’re aware, it hasn’t come to Ireland yet.
The boot offer 204 litres in the 4x4 version and 267 litres in the 2WD version, which considering the segment is not bad at all. All our test models only had four seats. Two to the front and two to the back. The front cabin is spacious, and so too is the rear - because those back seats are separate and on rails. We actually appreciate that there's only four seats in this car because Suzuki has succeeded in making this tiny SUV feel spacious.
The Irish market has access to three trims of the new Suzuki Ignis; SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5. SZ-T and SZ5 benefit from the rear sliding seats and come better equipped in terms of infotainment. The SZ3 models come with 15” steel wheels, while the other two receive 16” alloys. The lower SZ3 does not get SAT NAV or a rear-view camera, but it does get Bluetooth, DAB, air-con, and more as standard. Entry level prices for each trim are; SZ3 starting from 12,995, SZ-T staring from €14,995, and SZ5 starting from €16,495.
All-in, if you can put up with excessive road noise, the Suzuki Ignis comes in at an attractive price, offers plenty of fun and is well-equipped. This is a good alternative to the Celerio, and it’s quirky appearance gives it plenty of character. I don’t see it being massively popular in Ireland, but there will be a few who just won’t be able to resist it.
Read more of our Suzuki reviews here.
See all used Suzuki cars on Car Buyers Guide here.
1 comments
Nice looking car. Too small for me - I need a bigger SUV.
Reply