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Maruti Suzuki was known to design simple looking cars that had just about adequate features, until they announced the 'Transformotion' philosophy. The Ignis is the latest iteration from the manufacturer and it is a rather unconventional design, inside and outside.

The want by consumers in India for more features in a vehicle with an affordable price tag has been ever increasing. Not only has this triggered a new wave of car models launching with a host of features that entice a prospect, it has also stirred up a healthy competition amongst manufacturer. The Ignis from Maruti Suzuki is the latest example of how an affordable price tag can have a host of features. But, is it really value-for-money? Time to find out!

Exteriors

Front Profile

Featuring crossover-like styling, the Ignis design reflects a combination of contemporary bits and retro elements. Up front, the vehicle has square-shaped projector headlamps with LED units and L-shaped daytime running lamps that infuses aggression. The chrome radiator grille looks bold, while the round shaped fog lamps on front bumper are in line with its retro-look.

Side Profile

The side profile of the Ignis looks boxy, but there are elements that offer sporty character to it. Blacked-out A and B pillars and thin cladding and metal work around the wheel arches add to its aggressive looks. The flared wheel arches have been fitted to multi-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis Review side-rear Rear Profile

The rear on the other hand could have been sportier, the small-wrap-around tail-lamps and a large plastic strip on the bumper fail to create the desired look. It has large bumper with black inserts, roof-mounted spoiler, windscreen wiper and flared rear wheel arches.

Interiors

Like the exteriors, the inside also gets a 'funky' treatment. Like the exteriors, the inside also gets a 'funky' treatment.

Like the exteriors, the inside also gets a 'funky' treatment! The top-end Alpha trim we tested has exterior colour-coded door handles and centre console covers. Customers would also have the option of choosing if they want additional exterior colour covers on the space above the glovebox. The dashboard is a dual tone and nice to touch, especially when one compares it to the segment Ignis is slotted it. Plastic quality is good largely except for the rear view mirror and a few plastic bits in the central part of the dashboard. The toggle switches, automatic climate control, steering mounted audio and phone controls give the first row a cockpit feel, easy to operate as well as good to touch. However, the air vent between the steering wheel and the centre console keeps blowing air onto the driver's hand, irrespective of the direction it's turned towards. Since it cannot be closed either, the driver's left hand always remains cold. The touchscreen too is offset a bit due to this vent and isn't centrally on top of the centre console. The front seats are supportive and have good side bolstering as well for average sized adults and there is ample legroom, knee room and shoulder room for four occupants. Five adults would be a bit of a squeeze in the third row, however, it can be done for short trips.

The toggle switches, automatic climate control, steering mounted audio and phone controls give the first row a cockpit feel, easy to operate as well as good to touch. The toggle switches, automatic climate control, steering mounted audio and phone controls give the first row a cockpit feel, easy to operate as well as good to touch.

Engine and Transmission:

Maruti is offering both petrol and diesel engine options at launch, each available with a manual or automatic. To be specific, the Ignis can be had with the familiar 1.2L K12B 4-cyl petrol unit producing 61 kW (83 PS) and 113 Nm of torque, or a 1.3L 4-cyl DDiS 190 diesel engine with 55.2 kW (75 PS) and 190 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual is standard, while a 5-speed AGS (AMT) is available as an option in both variants.

Ignis Petrol:

As expected, the petrol variant of the Ignis will be the most appealing to an enthusiast. Not only is the motor refined, silent (a bit too silent) and has decent pull at low rpms, but is also a rev-happy unit; linearly shuffling peak torque at the higher-end of the power-band, whilst emanating a good engine note to entice the driver for more. Because the kerb weight is under 900 kg, the performance is peppy and you can feel the torque pull at higher rpms.

Maruti Ignis petrol

The manual variant of the Ignis petrol has a 5-speed gearbox similar to the Baleno’s unit. It shifts through the gear ratios in a smooth and slick manner, while the clutch pedal is fairly light and has a decent amount of travel.

This is the first time Maruti paired an AMT with the 1.2L petrol engine. In the Baleno, the 1.2 petrol automatic has a CVT, while the Swift Dzire 1.2 and Ritz 1.2 come with a 4-speed automatic. As far as petrol AMTs from Maruti go, the unit in Ignis is much smoother to drive. Sure, the usual AMT quirks are present, but they’re far less perceptible when being driven calmly. To perform quick overtakes, we’d recommend using the manual mode. Maruti claims that the Ignis petrol can average a fuel economy of 20.89 km/L (ARAI-certified), which is more than acceptable for compact petrol-powered crossover. As the test drive was brief, we couldn’t put it through proper fuel efficiency tests.

Comfort

In our review, we found that the car’s driver and front passenger seats are very comfortable and features good quality fabric. The front seats cushioning is good and seats are designed in a manner to accommodate all sizes of people. The Ignis driver seat also gets height adjustable feature. At the back, the seat is flat and offers fewer cushion for passengers. Legroom, headroom and knee space is good, but thigh support could have been better.

Practicality

There are lots of spaces inside the cabin to keep your belongings. It has big bottle holders in front doors and small bottle holders and a couple of mid-sized cubby holes in rear doors. There are two cup-holders at the front; however, the glove-box size could have been better.

Infotainment/Music System

The Ignis is equipped with SmartPlay infotainment system that comes with a tab-like touchscreen. This system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth, USB and AUX-in. The lower variants get conventional audio system with no touchscreen.

Ride and Handling:

The handling is neutral and during our short test, the suspension setup was neutral. The handling is neutral and during our short test, the suspension setup was neutral.

If there is one compromise that a car with a tall stance has to do with better ground clearance, it is the ride and handling bit. The handling is neutral and during our short test, the suspension setup was neutral. Over normal curves, there is a little body roll, but nothing is unsettling and on straight highways, the stability is impressive. There is ample feedback from the electric power steering on the highway as well as the in the city. Since most of our driving included commuting through urban areas with a little high-speed use, it is safe to say that the ride and handling is one of the better-tuned ones in its segment.

Safety

Another plus to Maruti Suzuki for the Ignis is the safety front. All versions of the compact crossover are offered with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), dual front airbags and ISOFIX anchorage for child seats. Along with the unconventional design, the company has also assured safety for all passengers. In practical usage, shedding speed quickly wherein the EBD works in tandem with the ABS to avoid locking up of the wheels, the Ignis does a good job of keeping its composure. However, due to the tall stance, the nose does dive down, but, the driver won't loose confidence.

The higher variants of the Ignis also get rear demister with wiper and so on. In total, the safety package offered on the compact crossover is not just good, but a benchmark in its segment.

Verdict

If you intend on picking lower variants, the Ignis makes quite a pitch - especially since Maruti Suzuki offers dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard across the range. The Alpha on the other hand, seems optimistically priced and the quality of the interiors don't feel at home in the swanky Nexa showrooms.

Make no mistake, the Ignis' quirks make it quite likeable. On the flipside, there's very little to fault the Grand i10 especially on the sense of premiumness and quality. It's quite possible that you'd get stuck in a tug of war between the heart and the head. For all practical purposes, the Hyundai is the better car - there are no two ways about it. It's more accommodating, is better equipped and offers just what you'd want from a hatch at this price point. The fact that the top-spec Asta variant is cheaper by Rs 42,000 compared to the Alpha is the proverbial icing on the cake.

On-Road Price

maruti suzuki Ignis Prices In Popular Cities

CITY NAME MIN-PRICE MAX-PRICE

Ahmedabad  4,56,071/-   6,47,143/-

Bangalore  4,72,629/-  6,86,362/-

Chennai  4,70,943/- 6,84,676/-

Gurgaon  4,55,071/-  6,46,143/-

Hyderabad  4,64,346/- 6,55,418/-

Jaipur  4,53,914/- 6,44,986/-

Kolkata  4,65,825/- 6,56,897/-

Mumbai  4,82,323/- 7,03,986/-

New Delhi  4,56,071/-  6,47,143/-

Pune  4,69,669/-  6,85,951/-