Maruti Suzuki’s latest entrant in the Nexa premium space, and in our long term fleet, is a jaunty little hatch emulating a compact crossover.
For me, personally, not only does the name revive memories of their rallying past, but it also proves itself to be a wonderful means of city transport.
The Ignis Zeta 1.2 AGS I’ve been handed the keys to has grown on me. First, it was the compact dimensions and design that make getting used to its proportions so easy, thanks to its rounded edges and almost complete lack of overhangs. Second, it was the room that let me breathe at ease, with fantastic equipment and styling touches, space management, and comfortable seats. The ergonomics are really commendable. Third, given some trying times, the Auto Gear Shift, though not driver-oriented, proved itself a useful tool for tackling city traffic. Besides, its rorty soundtrack livens up otherwise mundane commutes, when the road opens up a little.
It’s a nimble little handler and its squat proportions – with wider rear track – add to its manoeuvrability and reinforce driving confidence. With its 32-litre tank and frugal engine, its efficiency has proven to be a huge plus, with tracking duties and jaunts to Mumbai all taken in its stride. It is a rather pricey hatch to buy, and you can’t have the auto ‘box in the top-spec ‘Alpha’ trim. That’s not something the car can help, however. For what it is: a light-weight, peppy runabout, it does its job really well.
– Jim Gorde
