I have followed your writing for two decades and now request your advice: Among hatchbacks and crossovers with 1.2 NA engines — from MS (Ignis, Swift, Baleno, Fronx), Hyundai (Grand i10 Nios, i20, Exter), Tata (Tiago, Altroz, Punch), and Citroen (C3 1.2 NA) — which is the most fun to drive? I personally feel that the older Swift with its 1.2 K12 engine was best, but with the current Z-series 3-pot engine things are less exciting. Considering performance, is Ignis perhaps the best of the lot now, thanks to its light weight and decent road manners?

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Baleno share the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, which is known for its smoothness, refinement, free-revving nature and fuel efficiency. The Ignis is relatively smaller in size than the Baleno, and with its light controls, will be a touch easier to drive and park in tight spaces. 

That said, the new Maruti Suzuki Swift is still an excellent, fun-to-drive option, with a nicer steering (it returns to centre more naturally than the Ignis' unit), and its darty nature. Its 3-cylinder petrol engine is also very good in terms of drivability; yes, it doesn't revv as freely as the 4-cylinder 1.2 unit, but if you don't regularly spin the engine beyond 4000rpm, it'll keep you satisfied. 

Do drive the new Swift once, it might just be the one for you.