Reviews
Gallery 1
Suzuki’s all-new Ignis hopes to dominate the light SUV segment with high-riding stature in a funky, diminutive frame.
WHAT IS IT? An all-new generation of the Ignis from Suzuki, debuting a new lightweight platform and spearheading the brand’s assault on the light SUV segment. It comes in two spec levels, GL and GLX, with a single 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, ‘Dualjet’ engine available.
WHY WE’RE TESTING IT? The Ignis solidifies Suzuki’s place as a front-runner in the light and small car segments, and fills a gap in their line-up as the entry-level SUV.
THE WHEELS VERDICT PLUS: Well packaged interior, funky styling, generous standard equipment, competitive pricing MINUS: Sticky steering, CVT transmission lacks refinement, no 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder engine option.
The Suzuki Ignis has charming first-impressions thanks to funky good looks on the outside and a well packaged interior. However, digging a little deeper exposes some holes in the light SUVs façade where Suzuki hasn’t quite been able to connect the dots.
A relatively short drive experience means dynamic impressions are minimal. However, the car does seem to lack refinement in ride and handling. The 16-inch wheels on the GLX firm up the ride, but it certainly wouldn’t be described as harsh. Meanwhile sticky electric steering lets down the handling, and a slow rack (a whopping 3.6 turns lock-to-lock) results in the driver having to twirl the wheel extensively to take advantage of the 9.4-metre turning circle.
The only engine available for the 2017 Ignis is a 1.2-litre four-cylinder atmo petrol engine. It can be mated with a CVT transmission across both specs, while the five-speed manual is only available in the base-model GL.
The base model car starts at $15,990 RRP, while the CVT transmission costs an extra $1000. The GLX is listed as $18,990 RRP.
The throttle can also drag in traffic, and it can be difficult to modulate to prevent the transmission wailing as it searches for a ratio. This means the Ignis is a tad lazy off the line, and requires planning for execute highway-speed overtaking manoeuvres.
The Ignis has ventilated brake discs at the front, and drum brakes at the rear across all models. While not forceful, the set-up is capable of hauling the Ignis to a halt with decent haste.
This is in part thanks to the all-new platform that debuts internationally in the Ignis. Used domestically in Japan for small A-segment cars previously, the new platform results in the GLX only tipping the scales at a svelte 865-kg.
Overall the Ignis is a funky car with an incredibly well-packaged interior, generous standard equipment and competitive price points. However, it fails to excite dynamically, and the lack of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine is a missed opportunity.
SPECS Model: Suzuki Ignis GLX Engine: 1242cc four-cylinder, dohc, petrol Max power: 66kW @6,000rpm Max torque: 120Nm @4,400rpm Transmission: CVT Weight: 865kg 0-100km/h: N/A Fuel economy: 4.9L/100km (claimed) Price: $18,990 RRP On sale: Now
