When the funky Suzuki Ignis debuted at the 2016 Paris motor show, opinions were mixed. But there can be no denying that this lightweight, compact crossover has a distinctive character. Continuing QUBE/just-auto's review of interior design and technology trends, we take a closer look inside this quirky gem.
Trim talk
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The Ignis has space. Lots of it. At 3.7 metres long, 1.6m tall and 1.69m wide, elbow room between the driver and front passenger is plentiful as is head room. Driver visibility is also good over the short bonnet from the upright driving position that a car of this length demands.
The rear compartment is a little pinched although the individual seats slide and recline to improve occupant comfort. If you need more data then the two individual rear seats can slide 165mm to provide either greater luggage capacity or more rear passenger leg room; additionally, the seat backrests have a two position recline function. The luggage capacity increases to 514 litres with both rear seats folded and can be as high as 1,100 litres if fully loaded to the roof line.
Cubby hole storage is also generous thanks to the two-section glove box design, bottle holders in the centre and rear consoles as well as in the front and rear doors.
The two-tone dashboard uses materials with some rich texture to create a design that conveys breadth and a feeling of space. Touches of metallic titanium accent are dotted around the cockpit giving it a sporty image of crossovers.
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By GlobalDataPositioned centre stage of the dash is the ubiquitous tablet-style seven inch touchscreen that allows the driver to use certain applications with MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay connection with sat-nav. Ours also came with a handy rearview camera. While the radio volume slider to the side of the touchscreen could be more user-friendly, the steering wheel control does the trick better. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, USB and AUX ports are located in front of the gear lever.
Regarding safety, no fewer than six airbags are fitted as standard on all Ignis models. Ignis also incorporates Suzuki's so-called Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept that provides a high level of collision safety. Some of the features include collapsible structures that absorb impact energy in the event of a collision, a frame structure that effectively disperses impact energy, and rigid cabin structure.
Suzuki points out that the body frame has fewer weld joints that enable reductions in required reinforcements. Technologies to reduce weight have been applied to the vehicle body as well as mechanical parts including the doors, seats, interior parts, suspension, engine and brakes. The Ignis is the automaker's second model launched in Europe (following Baleno) to sit on its 'Heartect' platform that's designed to save weight without compromising body rigidity.
Suzuki is well known for its expertise in small cars and 4x4s. Since launching its first small car in 1955, the Suzulight, Suzuki has produced a number of models each tailored to the needs of its time. There aren't many natural rivals to Ignis due to its dimensions although they include the likes of the Kia Picanto, VW Up and Hyundai i10, although none really offer as much cabin space as the Ignis.
On the road
The Ignis that we took out and about this week was powered by a 90hp 1.2-litre four cylinder Dualjet engine. This offers CO2 emissions of 104g/km and combined fuel consumption of 61.4mpg versus an agreeable real-world average of 54mpg. Suzuki first introduced its 1.2-litre Dualjet technology (K12C) way back in 2014, initially in the Swift, and then utilised it in the Baleno SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) model in June 2016. In a nutshell, Dualjet incorporates the automaker's engine technology and uses twin fuel injectors for improved fuel economy. Using Dualjet design that positions the fuel injectors very close to the engine inlet valves, allows for a finer fuel atomisation (or mixture) which in turn provides a more effective transfer into the cylinder. Internal modifications to the engine include the use of a new design inlet port and combustion chamber.
The ride along some back roads felt relatively refined thanks to the newly designed suspension. In addition, the suspension mounts have been designed for increased rigidity.
Available in 11 colours and three grades, namely SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5, our mid-spec SZ-T was sprayed blue with white wing mirrors. The go-faster stripes stuck on either side along with three diagonal lines on the broad C-pillar raised a few smiles.
True, Ignis does lack some nitty-gritty detail such as lumbar and steering wheel reach adjustment. And although certain soft interior materials have been omitted, it has character in spades. For a dinky crossover, its boxy dimensions give it a deceptive amount of cabin space.
