After introducing the premium hatchback, Baleno through its Flagship NEXA outlets, Maruti Suzuki now aims to target customers in the compact SUV segment with the all new Ignis. Ignis will also be sold in the country through the company's flagship NEXA outlets. Unveiled as the Suzuki Ignis concept at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the Maruti’s upcoming mini SUV will be built on the same platform which underpins Baleno, Maruti Suzuki's premium NEXA hatchback. When launched Ignis will compete against the recently launched Mahindra XUV100 (S101).
The production version of the mini SUV will share a close resemblance with the concept. The car features a large grille with projector headlamps, blacked A and B pillars, Vitara-inspired three-slat vents on the side, flared wheel arches, rear bumper with black insert and lots of chrome on the front fascia. The vehicle is assembled with 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. The Ignis is built on an all-new platform, and measures 3679mm in length, 1579mm in height and 1478mm in width.
Inside, the mini SUV's cabin is spacious with quality seats and a neat dashboard. Ignis, might also come equipped with features such as a dual tone interior theme with a touch-screen integrated on the dashboard, a new HVAC system and a three spoke power steering with mounted controls.
Under the hood, Suzuki will offer the Ignis with two petrol engines, a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged Boosterjet and a 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol with SHVS technology. While the former churns out a maximum power of 110bhp at 5,500rpm and 170Nm of torque between 2,000rpm – 3,500rpm, the latter one offers 88bhp and 120Nm. Both the powertrains will be married to a CVT automatic gearbox, combined with FWD (front-wheel drive) system. The engine is reportedly based on Maruti's 3-cylinder 800cc engine that currently does duty in the Celerio diesel. Source
The Maruti Suzuki Ignis’s production version will be positioned below the iV-4 concept, which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013. The production of the mini SUV is likely to be commenced by the end of 2016. Since the Maruti Ignis will be pitted against the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV100, expect it to be introduced to the Indian market with 95% localisation, is likely to get a price tag ranging from priced around Rs. 4.8 lakh to Rs. 6.8 lakh (ex-showroom).
Stay tuned for more updates!