New look, same great value for Suzuki Ignis

One of the country’s favourite compact urban SUVs is getting a new look and extra features, making it an even-better value offering to South Africans returning to work.

“The Ignis is one of our best-selling vehicles. I believe it is because it exists in the sweet spot where our compact car and compact off-road SUV experiences meet. It is a nimble and easy-driving city vehicle, but offers the space, driving experience and ground clearance of an SUV, which is perfect for our road conditions,” says André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa.

The new Suzuki Ignis, is introduced exactly three years after it was first launched to wide acclaim, notching up nominations as a 2018 SA Car of the Year finalist, the Drive360 Car of the Year and international awards such as the 2018 Urban World Car of the Year Runner-Up and Scottish Compact Car of the Year.

New look

The updated Ignis features a refreshed look, which brings it in line with Suzuki’s iconic SUV design language, also seen on models such as the new Suzuki S-Presso, the popular Vitara and the evergreen Jimny.

The prominent S-emblem on the front grille is now flanked by four chromed square slots. The new grille creates a more purposeful look and visually fills the space between the front lights to create a bright bar from edge to edge between the front fenders, especially on the GLX-model, where the surrounding grille face also has chrome accents.

As before, the GLX-models feature wrap-around daytime running lights with projector style LED headlamps. GLX models also have added roof rails and flared wheel arch extensions to help it stand out, especially since the Ignis has a standard ground clearance of 180 mm.

Below the new grille, the designers penned a smooth new lower bumper, which now incorporates the fog lights, on the GLX-specification, and a trapezoidal silver lower faux scuff plate for an upswept SUV-look.

At the rear, a similar scuff plate design replaces the previous black bumper insert and ensures a beautiful and coherent SUV-signature look. Two integrated upright reflectors round off the changes at the rear.

As before, all models have colour-coded side mirrors, while the GLX specification level also includes integrated turn signals and the ability to electrically fold back when parking in tight spaces.

Plenty of space and specs inside

When it was singled out, both in South African and international competitions, the judges noted the high specification level and Suzuki’s uncanny ability to create a spacious cabin on an ultra-compact 2.435 m wheelbase.

This remains true, with all models offering a 60:40 split rear seats, 260 litres of boot space and ample interior space for five occupants. It also offers luxuries, such as an audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, steering controls, electric windows and central locking and a multi-information display across the range

All models further offer safety features such as dual airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and ISOFIX child anchor points. Security is taken care of by a standard alarm and immobiliser combination.

“The new Ignis continues our practice of not making our safety and security features optional, dependent on specification level. This means that you benefit from all of our passive and active safety and security features, even if you opt for the entry-level GL specification level,” says Venter.

Those who do decide to upgrade to the higher GLX specification level will find a long list of additional features, including a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in. The large touch screen doubles as a reverse camera monitor, while the reverse camera is supplemented by rear parking sensors.

The Ignis GLX will further offer customers large car luxuries such as keyless entry with a Push-button start, climate control, chrome or silver highlights on the parking brake, door handles and shift knob.

Ample power, low weight

As before, all versions of the Ignis are fitted with Suzuki’s popular K12M 1.2 litre petrol engine with variable valve timing and multi-point fuel injection.

This engine delivers 61 kW at 6 000 rpm and 113 Nm at 4 200 rpm, which, combined with a kerb weight as low as 860 kg, means that the Ignis is no slouch in city driving or on the highway.

The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, with the option of Suzuki’s newest generation automated manual transmission on the GLX model.

New colour combinations available

To celebrate the Ignis’s new look, Suzuki has added a number of new colours and colour combinations.

The Suzuki designers have also added the choice of silver or blue cabin accents, depending on the exterior colour, and the option of new two-tone colour combinations for adventurous Ignis owners.

With the new Ignis, the colour palette has increased to include: Arctic White Pearl Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, Glistening Grey Metallic, Turquoise Blue Pearl Metallic and Midnight Black with Pearl Finish.

Two-tone combinations now include Stargaze Blue Pearl Metallic with Black combination, and Lutecent Orange with Black Metallic.

The Ignis is available immediately and will be offered with a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan and Suzuki’s promotional 5-year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty, which includes roadside assistance.

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