Maruti Suzuki Ignis Expert Review

The Ignis’ design is polarising, built to appeal to the young and young at heart, and avoids Maruti’s usual safe styling. Based on the fifth-gen AA+ platform, it’s newer than the Baleno’s B-platform, but shares its engineering approach. At 825kg, the base model is lighter than the Baleno and already meets upcoming crash norms.
Styled as a mini crossover with retro cues from the ’70s-’80s Suzuki Cervo, it features Suzuki’s ‘Progressive Triad’ on the C-pillar, resembling the Adidas logo. The wide front grille houses inset headlights, LED DRLs and projector lamps, while the large bumper integrates fog lamps and number plate. From the side, chunky C-pillars with a sharp upward kink dominate, alongside flared wheel arches, side cladding and unique squarish alloy spokes. The rear is upright with a sharply sloped windscreen, tall hatch and squarish tail-lamps, though this angle looks a bit awkward. Overall, styling is funky and distinctive.
 

The cabin continues with quirky design touches. The Progressive Triad appears on the console box, often colour-matched with the exterior, as are the cylindrical door handles. The dashboard uses straight lines with rectangular vents and a ‘floating’ touchscreen above the neat climate control unit, while lower variants get a basic manual AC and button-type music system.
At 3,700mm, it’s shorter than the Swift but has a slightly longer wheelbase, is taller but narrower. Rear space is tight for three, but legroom and headroom are generous, with upright seating and room under the front seats. Front seats are comfortable with good bolstering though slightly soft. Height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering add to practicality.
 

The Ignis gets the 1.2 K series petrol with manual and AMT options. The petrol manual is peppy, rev-happy and sporty-sounding, though the clutch is tricky and steering too light with poor self-centring. Petrol AMT is as AMT’s go, jerky when pushed a bit and in this case much less fun than the manual.

The 1.2 petrol returns an ARAI 20.89kpl for both the manual and AMT models. 

Ride quality is excellent. It feels more planted than its size suggests, handling bumps with composure. 

Features include the SmartPlay system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, USB, Aux and navigation, plus rear camera support. Other equipment: new steering wheel design, start-stop button, electric folding ORVMs, steering controls, all-round power windows and puddle lamps. Safety is standardised with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child-seat mounts across all trims.

The Ignis, stands out with its funky looks, rich equipment list and spacious interior. Downsides include a jerky AMT and lifeless steering. Still, with LED projectors, touchscreen, auto climate control and a rewarding engine, it’s unlike a typical Maruti. Priced from ₹5.85 lakh (petrol) to ₹8.26 lakh its good value at the lower end with top trims being pricey.