2017 Suzuki Ignis launches with $15,990 starting price

THE Suzuki Ignis compact SUV has relaunched in Australia at the same price its predecessor sold for in 2005.

Priced from $15,990 in base-model five-speed manual Ignis GL guise, the city-sized hatch is the most affordable SUV on the market today, offering rugged, adventurous looks in a city-friendly package.

With the range topping out at $18,990 for the flagship auto-only Ignis GLX, the entire Ignis line-up easily undercuts chief rivals including the Ford Ecosport, Holden Trax, Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and the Nissan Qashqai.

Keen drive-away pricing also applies to the Ignis from launch, with all models available with on-road costs covered for just a $1000 premium over the retail price.

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Powering the Suzuki Ignis is a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 66kW and 120Nm, which is about the same power and torque as an entry-level Toyota Yaris city hatchback. It’s compact at just 3.7 metres long and 1.7 metres wide, and at 1.6 metres tall it sits higher off the ground than a Holden Commodore.

With a turning circle of 9.4 metres, the Ignis also lays claim to being one of the more manoeuvrable SUVs on the market – even if its SUV status is more notional than most.

The Ignis GL comes with either a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic, while the GLX range-topper is a strictly CVT-only proposition.

The base model Ignis GL rolls on 15-inch steel wheels, with standard equipment including power windows, satellite navigation with a reversing camera, and an audio system with a multimedia screen, Bluetooth phone connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a USB connection.

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It also gets cruise control, and integrated sat-nav is standard even in the base model – a rarity in the segment.

Step up to the $18,990 GLX, and the Ignis adds steering wheel audio controls, 16-inch alloys, dusk-sensing headlamps and daytime running lights, climate control air-conditioning, tinted glass and keyless entry and start.

While the five-seat GL has a 60:40 split rear bench, the GLX has a four-seat layout with a 50:50 split rear seat – yet it gains a sliding bench that gifts the Ignis with more rear legroom or cargo space. With the rear seats up, the Ignis GL has 271 litres of cargo room while the GLX has a nominal 264-litre capacity.

Adding CVT increases cost by an extra $1000. Standard safety equipment for both models runs to six airbags, plus ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control and stability control.

2017 Suzuki Ignis pricing

Suzuki Ignis GL manual: $15,990 ($16,990 drive-away)
Suzuki Ignis GL auto: $16,990 ($17,990 drive-away)
Suzuki Ignis GLX auto: $18,990 ($19,990 drive-away)