From Maruti Suzuki Ignis’ expected price to launch details, we have all you need to know about this premium hatchback
1. Maruti Suzuki’s first SUV-style hatchback:
What makes it special is its SUV-inspired styling which merges effortlessly with Suzuki’s latest design language. Its compact proportions, tall SUV-like stance and muscular wheel-arches give it an aggressive, yet appealing demeanour.
Like many premium SUV, the Ignis also gets honeycomb mesh grille, projectors headlamps and very distinct U-shaped DRLs. Also adding to the style quotient are all-black A- and B-pillars, gunmetal-finish 15-inch alloy wheels, and an integrated spoiler on the boot-lid.
This premium hatchback was a major crowd-puller at the 2016 Auto Expo and Car India readers flooded our mailbox with queries about the Ignis, post the Auto Expo.
2. Maruti Ignis only at Nexa showrooms:
The Ignis will be the latest car to be retailed through Maruti Suzuki’s Nexa dealerships, making it the smallest car at the premium dealership. Many critics questioned Maruti’s decision of creating exclusive Nexa dealerships to sell its premium car models like the Baleno and S-Cross, because it limited the reach.
Most of this criticism fell flat with the success of the new Baleno hatchback which has been selling over 10,000 units every month. And now, with the more affordable Maruti Suzuki Ignis undercutting the Baleno, the foot falls at the Nexa showroom are only set to increase.
3. Price to start under Rs 5 lakh:
Some sources hint that the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, which as you know will be strategically positioned under the Baleno, could have an introductory price of sub Rs 5 lakh. Last year the Baleno premium hatchback was launched at Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) which was later revised and now retails for Rs 5.25 lakh for the base model.
Going by the positioning of the smaller Ignis, it seems only logical for the compact hatchback to be priced below the Baleno. So, don’t be surprised to see an aggressive launch price of the Ignis, with the entry-level model priced between Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
4. No new engine options:
Unlike earlier reports, the Maruti Ignis will not to be launched with new engine options. In fact, we expect the premium hatchback to be powered by an updated version of the 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine which is also seen on the Maruti Swift and Baleno. The motor will come with the option of a manual five-speed transmission or a CVT.
The Ignis diesel will come equipped with the popular 1.3-litre DDiS 190 oil-burner which is seen in most other Maruti Suzuki diesel car models. Powering a smaller and lighter Ignis, the DDiS is expected to offer even better fuel efficiency.
5. International Suzuki Ignis gets 5-star safety rating:
The global car safety assessment agency New Car Assessment Programme, better known as NCAP has rated the international version of the Suzuki Ignis 5-star safety rating. Which is great news, but we have to bear in mind that the European Ignis is equipped with half-a-dozen airbags and AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) which make it a lot safer than the incoming Indian version. For the uninitiated, the AEB system scans the road and warns the driver if it detects an obstacle ahead. In fact, this system can also automatically brake to avoid an accident.
NCAP also crash-tested the Ignis without AEB, but with six airbags, awarding it a 3-star safety rating. We hope Maruti offer a good range of standard and optional safety gear with the Ignis, making the hatchback even more worthy of the premium tag.
6. Maruti Ignis launch by early-2017:
According to our sources, Maruti is planning to launch the Ignis between February and March 2017. Many test mules of the much-awaited hatchback have been spotted in India lately, which further endorse an early 2017 launch of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis.
