Review: Suzuki Ignis

When you see it first in the metal, the Sukuki Ignis looks a little odd, writes Brian Byrne. Kind of foreshortened. But the style quickly gets attractive for its individuality at the very least.

The context is small crossover, and there's a version with AWD that gives it some credibility with the 4x4 brigade. Mine was the 2WD.

One of Suzuki's core strengths is small cars and this one sits just above the Celerio and below the new Swift. The crossover/SUV image is achieved by a high look and strong front end, with cheerful lights which in my review car included LED running lights. The high waistline and a distinctive C-pillar style gives it a funky look too.


The new Ignis is the second of the company's models to be built on a new platform, debuted on the Baleno. That makes it lighter and stronger than its predecessor.

The funky sense is continued inside, especially in the review car which had a lot of white with orange details, and a touch of titanium-style 'metallic'. It's a cheerful space, with good instruments and in my car a large centre screen that provided audio, navigation and rear camera vision. The rear pair of seats are split and fold, while the 267L cargo capacity would be diminished to 204L in the AWD version, because of underfloor space taken by a differential. It's a 5-door in all versions.

All versions are powered by a nippy 1.2 petrol engine, and mine had the addition of a mild hybrid system, branded SHVS, that uses an integrated starter generator which assists with moving off and acceleration, and also generates electricity while braking. The net result is a lower CO2 and fuel consumption, 97g/km against 104g/km for the non-hybrid.

With this SZ5 grade (the grading names are non-intuitive, so I'm not going to go there) there was also a high level of specification, including aircon, cruise control, and dual-camera operated emergency braking support. The car also had a lane departure and drowsiness monitoring system, so was very well furnished in safety tech terms.

Driving the Ignis proved to be a smiley experience, not that it was anything close to sporty but there was a sense of enthusiasm about it. Maybe that white, titanium and orange interior provided something of a carnival atmosphere. The handling was well within the car's capability, and given the short wheelbase, the ride was pleasant in most conditions.

Suzuki does well in global terms, and across the main European markets. After a recessionary dip that hit it kind of hard in Ireland, the brand has been on the up and up in the last few years. Ignis should do its share of any further lifting.

ENGINES: 1.2 petrol, hybrid option, 90hp, auto available.

EQUIPMENT: Three grades, SZ3, SZ-T, SZ5, plus SHVS hybrid.

PRICES: From €12,995 (Review car €16,495).

STAR RATING: 3.5/5