Suzuki unveiled their newest car at this year’s Paris Motor Show. The automaker, known for building small cars, is to add a new crossover to their lineup with the second generation Ignis.
The name Ignis first appeared as a hatchback between 2000 & 2008. However after an eight year break, Suzuki has brought back the name ‘Ignis’ for its latest crossover. The production model was first previewed back in 2015 at the Tokyo Motor Show called as the Suzuki iM4 concept. The new Ignis will be on sale in Europe starting January 2017 followed by other markets including Australia & India.
A new platform underpins the third-generation Ignis which Suzuki says claims is rigid and lightweight. It is expected that the new Ignis will be available with 1.2 liter, four-cylinder Dualjet and 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo Boosterjet motors. Suzuki will also add a mild hybrid version for the new Ignis. Called the Smart Hybrid Vehicle it will utilize a brake energy recovery system as well as a stop-start system. Suzuki says the mild-hybrid Ignis will deliver excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing a performance. In India the Ignis will be available with 1.2-liter Dualjet petrol and 1.3-liter diesel engine options, paired to manual and AMT gearboxes. The Ignis will be available with front wheel drive & four wheel drive layouts.
Suzuki describes the crossover’s styling as minimalist and “Undoubtedly Suzuki.” It takes inspiration from several Suzuki vehicles from the past.
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C Pillar
The slits in the Suzuki Ignis’s C-Pillars are inspired from the Giugiaro-designed Suzuki Fronte Coupe, the first Japanese mini sports car sold in Japan from September 1971.
Headlights
The placement of the projector headlight units of the Ignis, within the grille, is something that was seen in the first-generation Suzuki Cervo, a mini sports car launched in Japan in October of 1977. The Cervo, which succeeded the Fronte Coupe was also styled by Giugiaro.
Pillar Black-out
A common feature in cars nowadays, Suzuki says the inspiration behind the Suzuki Ignis’s pillar blackouts come from the previous generation Swift which made its global debut back in 2004.
Clam-shell Bonnet
A design element which is being seen on modern cars these days, the Ignis, according to Suzuki, inherits the clam-shell shaped bonnet and fender garnish from the first-generation Vitara which was launched in Japan in 1988. Interestingly, the current fourth-generation Suzuki Vitara which was introduced in Europe last year, continues to feature this design identity as well.
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It is hard to expect the likes of Ignis in our country, perhaps in coming years we might see it in form of used import from Japan. Pak Suzuki hinted to launch the Celerio in Pakistan replacing the Cultus hatchback in 2017 while there were rumors regarding the launch of the new Alto as well. Pak Suzuki will need to update their lineup ahead of the upcoming competition in wake of the new auto policy. The Ignis seems to be a suitable product for our market, since its small yet fuel efficient and is way better looking than the 8th generation Alto.
Suzuki Ignis Gallery:
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
