Suzuki will showcase the new Ignis compact crossover at the upcoming Tokyo motor show 2015.
The new Ignis was earlier showcased in concept form as the Suzuki iM-4 at the Geneva motor show, alongside the iK-2 concept which was a precursor to the soon-to-be-launched Baleno hatchback. The Ignis name was previously used by Suzuki for a global compact hatchback that also came with AWD.
The production version of the Ignis, like the Baleno, closely sticks to the concept car’s styling. It sports a large grille with encapsulated headlights, a clam-shell bonnet and blacked-out A- and B-pillars. The wheel arches are flared, and the car rides on 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. It gets projector headlamps instead of LED units as seen on the concept. The Ignis also does away with the three-slat vents on the sides which were seen on the concept.
The Ignis's interior gets a dual tone shade along with some parts shared from other Suzuki models. also gets a tablet-like touch-screen at the centre of the dashboard, which is likely to be equipped with the SmartPlay system along with Apple Carplay.
There is no news on what’s under the hood as of now, but speculation is rife that the new 1.0-litre BoosterJet petrol motor will power the Ignis. A 1.2-litre mild hybrid engine with brake energy recuperation is also likely, which will be mated to a CVT gearbox. Also available will be a start-stop system which Suzuki calls the SHVS or Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki. Since the manufacturer is calling the Ignis a compact crossover, there is a possibility it'll be equipped with the firm’s All-Grip AWD system.
Toshiro Suzuki, president of Suzuki Motor Corp, recently announced an ambitious plan of launching 20 new models globally. He said, “Except for the kei-jidosha (for the Japanese market only) cars, we will bring all our models to India.” The Ignis, like the Baleno, will be a global model. However, there is no confirmation yet as to whether this crossover will make it to our shores.