Maruti has launched Ignis in India as the first launch of the year 2017. We get behind the wheel to find what this new funky model promises to offer.
Maruti-Suzuki India Limited has finally launched it's much awaited Ignis compact crossover in India at the starting price of Rs 4.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The car was launched through a mega music concert which was organized to target young audiences, which are, in fact, the customer segment Maruti is looking to capture with this new offering. Ignis is company's first launch in the year 2017 and there is lot riding on its broad shoulders.
The last year proved to be very successful for the Maruti-Suzuki and the company wants to take this momentum forward with the newly arrived Ignis. Now whether Ignis has got what it takes to be a winner; we find out in this road review. Design, Style, and Interiors The talking point in the town is funky design of Ignis which is unlike any Maruti we have ever seen since the inception of the company. As design is the subjective issue MarutiIgnis is sure to divide the opinions. Frontage is pretty to look at, but in the profile, the car has many odd bits which are not helpful in evoking favourable response from the consumers. This is the first compact crossover which has got projector headlamps in the top variant and wide grille really makes a favourable impression. In the profile, C-pillar is a bit stout and upright, which will require some time getting used to. Rear of the car is also unconventional but it doesn't feel very much at all like the profile of the car. Maruti is offering Ignis in double paint job which is the good touch in order to augment the appeal of the car. Inside the cabin, we got pleasantly surprised by the amount of space available which is in the leagues of higher class cars. The car is very practical and the overall interior design is a mix of retro- and modern theme. Especially the central stack and various controls are placed very intuitively and feel tactile to use. Space is the trump card of this new Maruti and the car offers plenty of room both at the front and back. 270 litres of boot space is generous and Maruti engineers have done a very good job to restrict the intrusion of suspension towers to a bare minimum. Engine, Transmission, & Dynamics The Ignis comes with 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine and 1.3-liter diesel motor, capable of putting out 82/75 PS and 113/190 Nm of Max power and max torque respectively. We got behind the wheel of petrol motor mated with automated manual transmission. The takeoff is very smooth and Ignis feel very eager to jump the gun even at a slight price of the accelerator. Engine refinement is of top notch and even when we revved the engine hard, refinement continues to be on the same level. Gear ratios of the car are matched perfectly with the engine tuning which is why we found Maruti-Suzuki Ignis extremely comfortable to drive. Ride of the car is somewhere Biasedtowards city driving which is not a bad thing especially considering the fact that most of the buyers will restrict their commute within the Periphery of the town. Handling of the card deserves a special mention here because despite of being a tall car, Maruti has been successful in keeping the rolling aspect quite under the control. 15 inch alloy wheels provided the good grip however we felt that ride could have been better. Overall Verdict The range of MarutiIgnis starts from a very competitive Rs 4.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) which makes it one of the best-value for money propositions around. It looks very modern and funky, the values which new generation of buyers subscribe to. If you are not smitten by the contemporary and futuristic design of the car, then we bet spacious interiors and very practical cabin is sure to win you over. Another important plus point of this Maruti is the wide range of engine and transmission options as companies providing both manual and automatic transmission with petrol as well as diesel motor. The car also comes with high level of safety and security equipment with many segment firsts, driving home the message that Maruti is equally concerned about the passenger safety. Overall,Maruti Suzuki Ignis is a complete proposition which is expected to bring in extra chunk of buyers to Maruti kitty. Style & Substance 4/5 Ride & Handling 3/5 Interiors & Ergonomics: 3/5 Safety & Equipment 2/5 Power-Plant &Transmission 3.5/5 Fuel Efficiency 4/5 Value for Money 3.5/5
New car comparison between Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Hyundai Grand i 10 and Toyota Etios Liva created by new car buyers actively considering and evaluating these cars for a future purchase.