2017 Suzuki Ignis she says, he says review

Is it an SUV or a city car? Whatever it is it's won over our road testers.

Daniela Intilli and Stephen Ottley
2017 Suzuki Ignis video review
New city car continues the Japanese brand's resurgence.

She: Suzuki seems to be enjoying a revival of some of its old nameplates. We've seen the Baleno and Vitara re-emerge, with the latter taking out Drive's Best City SUV for two consecutive years. Now the Ignis is the latest to be revived. We're testing the top-spec GLX and it's definitely eye-catching Steve?

He: Sure is, Dani. It is quite a funky looking little city car. Suzuki is billing it as a 'Light SUV' and while it is more car than SUV in the way it drives, it certainly has an SUV-vibe to its looks. The style is boxy, without being a box thanks to some design embellishments like the styling line along the front guard and the three indents on the rear pillar. It gives it a more premium look than its price tag suggests.

She: It's nice to see such a big effort put into design and the interior has been equally well thought out. The contrasting colours in the cabin makes the interior look more vibrant. The plastics are well finished and the customised colours all add to the Ignis' character. I'm surprised how roomy it is for a such a small car. The high roof obviously helps but the back also has ample room. I was really impressed with the sliding rear seats. Looks aside, how was the ride for you?

2017 Suzuki Ignis. Photo: Supplied

He: That's been one of Suzuki's greatest strengths with its new generation of models is how they drive. The Ignis is another example of a solid, well engineered car. The ride is good for a small car and the handling is agile but it is probably a step behind the class leaders, like the Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta, in terms of polish.

The engine is modest too, with just 66kW and 120Nm on offer it has just enough to get the job done but nothing more. What did you think?

She: The 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is modest to say the least but the Ignis has one of the lightest set-ups. It weighs over 100kg less than other cars in its class and that allows it to move more swiftly. Initially, the CVT does feels a bit strained but once it gets going, it's pretty zippy. The Baleno's 1.0-litre three-cylinder Boosterjet turbo engine would've been great but ultimately the Ignis does what it sets out to do and that's comfortable city driving. Parking is a breeze, especially with the reverse camera, which is one of many impressive standard features.

The Suzuki Ignis cabin is spacious and modern.

He: Yeah, it really does come loaded with plenty of equipment for a sub $20k car. In addition to the camera you get 16-inch alloys, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a USB port, steering-wheel audio controls, keyless entry and ignition, cruise control and power windows. Pretty impressive stuff. It isn't quite so generous on the safety front though, Dani?

She: That's probably the main negative for me. You get six airbags,  ISOFIX child-seat anchors, electronic stability and traction control but there's no automatic emergency braking, nor the option of it. Personally, I'd like to have AEB, especially if I had a teenage son or daughter or someone who has just started driving. For more experienced motorists, I guess the trade off is probably the amount of other gear provided, so it probably comes down to personal choice. Overall Steve, does the Ignis do enough for you?

He: Sure, AEB would be nice to have, even as an option. But in Suzuki's defence there aren't many rivals that can boast it at this end of the market. Putting that aside there is so much Suzuki has done right with the Ignis I can't help but be a fan. It isn't the fastest or most dynamic in class but it is good value and loaded with style and character.

She: For me no AEB is a deterrent but that aside it's a really good car. The choice of being able to mix and match like a Mini is clever and has worked well with the Vitara. It's also much cheaper than a Mini, which adds to the appeal.

2017 Suzuki Ignis GLX pricing and specifications

Price: From $19,990 drive-away

Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 66kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 120Nm at 4400rpm

Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use: 4.9L/100km

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