The Suzuki Ignis is a unique vehicle that blurs the line between a city car and a compact SUV. Despite its small size, the Ignis offers optional four-wheel drive, reasonable ground clearance, and a rugged appearance that sets it apart from typical superminis. In fact, Suzuki refers to the Ignis as “the only ultra-compact SUV on the market.” The car’s last major facelift in 2020 emphasized its SUV character with a new grille, bumpers, and countryside-appropriate paint colors.
While the Ignis may be small on the outside, it surprises with its impressive interior space and versatility. Whether you need a small and affordable car for slippery tracks and winter months or a well-packaged, spacious, efficient, and clever vehicle for urban motoring, the Ignis has a lot to offer.
Under the hood, the Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid SZ5 Allgrip model features a 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 12-volt hybrid assistance. With a five-speed manual transmission and permanent four-wheel drive via a viscous coupling, the Ignis delivers a capable and efficient performance.
Inside, the Ignis offers surprisingly spacious and versatile cabin space. Four adults can comfortably fit in the car, with ample legroom and headroom. The rear seats adjust, fold flat, and slide back and forth in a 50/50 configuration, providing flexibility for cargo or passengers. The interior materials may appear plain and slightly cheap in some areas, but the overall build quality feels solid and durable.
When it comes to performance, the Ignis delivers what you would expect from a modern city car. It’s not a fast car, but it offers easy drivability and decent acceleration. The hybrid system provides extra torque at lower revs, making it effortless to maintain a steady pace in traffic. The manual gearbox is light and pleasant to use, while the brake pedal allows for smooth stops.
The Ignis’s compact size contributes to its maneuverability and agility. It handles well on country roads, offering a sense of fun and control. However, the ride quality can be slightly coarse, especially on uneven surfaces. The rear-wheel drive model bumps more over broken asphalt compared to the front-wheel drive version. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ignis remains comfortable and suitable for both urban and off-road driving.
In terms of fuel efficiency and running costs, the Ignis impresses with its good mileage and affordability. It offers excellent value for its sub-£20k price tag, providing ample space, versatility, and capability. While the Ignis may not be as cheap as it once was, it still offers a unique combination of features that make it a practical and likable choice.
Overall, the Suzuki Ignis stands out as a countryside-capable small car with four-wheel drive. It may not have the same level of sophistication as its European-made rivals, but it compensates with its versatility, functionality, and value. If you’re looking for a small runabout that can handle rough terrain and inclement weather, the Ignis is a reliable and likeable option.