Suzuki to find new buyers with Ignis

Suzuki has coined a new term for the Australian-market introduction of the Ignis – 'light SUV'. It’s a market segment that doesn't actually exist in the diverse collection of VFACTS categories, but Suzuki's not letting that stand in the way.

Priced from $15,990 for the base-grade GL variant with a five-speed manual the Ignis has ground clearance and approach and departure angles to rival small SUVs, but the front-wheel drive Suzuki is designed for what Suzuki Australia General Manager Andrew Moore describes as “urban jungle hazards” like gutters, rather than negotiating flooded streams.

Yet, like more traditional SUVs, the Ignis is roomy for its external footprint, and it certainly feels high-riding on the road.

One engine, Suzuki's 1.2-litre DualJet four-cylinder, powers variants in both levels of trim – GL and GLX. It's a refined unit that produces 66kW and 120Nm. Suzuki claims it will use as little as 4.7L/100km when coupled to the GL model's manual transmission. Driving through the Continuously Variable Transmission that's optional for the GL ($16,990) and standard for the Ignis GLX, the engine consumes slightly more fuel, 4.9L/100km.

For a short time Suzuki Australia is offering the Ignis with introductory ‘driveaway’ pricing of $16,990 for the manual GL, $17,990 for the GL with CVT and $19,990 for the Ignis GLX, as we previously revealed.

Standard features across the range comprise six airbags, satellite navigation, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, cruise control, electric windows and remote (steering wheel) controls for audio. The GL rides on 15-inch steel wheels and has a 60:40 split-fold rear seat.

Adding to the standard equipment, the Ignis GLX comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, 50:50 split-fold sliding rear seat, auto headlights, follow-me-home function, daytime running lights, climate control, privacy glass and keyless starting.

“Ignis will appeal to the in crowd,” says Moore, who cites the car’s ‘personalisation’ potential – “with Ignis we're taking it to a whole new level” – and also points to the car’s “iconic styling with versatile functionality” as the crux of the new car’s appeal.

The new Suzuki is named for a previous hatchback model which was similarly packaged and formed the basis for the original Holden Cruze. This new model is lighter and driven by a smaller engine, with Suzuki Australia anticipating sales of up to 400 units a month for the Japanese-built car.