Suzuki Ignis confirmed for Australian return

Suzuki Australia this week confirmed the second-generation Ignis would arrive in the first quarter of next year, days after the model was unveiled in European-spec at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

The new Suzuki Ignis was first previewed by the iM-4 concept at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, with a production version shown later in the year in Tokyo.

The Ignis’s stumpy yet funky design is slightly longer for markets outside of Japan, with lengthened front and rear bumpers stretching it from 3.6 to 3.7 metres.

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A 1595mm roof height ensures upright proportions related to the model’s predecessor, which was sold locally between 2000 and 2005 (and between 2002 and 2006 as a rebadged Holden Cruze).

Suzuki says design details are borrowed from stable mates such as the Swift as well as as old classics such as the SC100 (notably the rear-pillar ‘vents’ from the latter).

The interior aims to match the urban coolness of the exterior, including the option of orange or titanium trim accents. For functionality, there’s a colour touchscreen multimedia display. For additional practicality, the rear seats split 50:50.

The Ignis is a five-seater as standard, with an optional sliding rear bench restricting rear places to two.

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The Ignis will be available with either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

The standard engine is a 1.2-litre four-cylinder offering 66kW of power and 120Nm of torque. Alternatively, there’s a mild-hybrid drivetrain linking the petrol engine with an electric motor for extra assistance.

Fuel consumption is unlikely to be high either way with the Ignis weighing between just 810 and 920kg.