2017 Suzuki Ignis GL REVIEW – Squished Hatch Doesn’t Set a New Benchmark
If shopping for a light hatchback is like doing the groceries, then the 2017 Suzuki Ignis GL resolutely confirms that its maker now dominates the aisles.
Perhaps Suzuki remains the outsider’s choice in terms of popularity compared with Mazda and Toyota, the automotive equivalents of Uncle Toby’s and Kellogg’s.
However, the addition of the Ignis means the Japanese brand now has its shelves stocked with four options priced under $20,000 – adding to its basket of micro celery (sorry, Celerio) and light/small Baleno, with the light Swift to come. Toyota offers only one option below that tag; Mazda a duo by a whisker (namely the $19,990 CX-3).
Suzuki wants you to believe the Ignis is a light SUV. Smaller (and cheaper) than a CX-3 it may be, but take that with the grain of salt available in aisle five.
Vehicle Style: Light SUV
Price: $16,990 plus on-road costs or $17,990 driveaway
Engine/trans: 66kW/120Nm 1.2 petrol four-cylinder | automatic CVT
Fuel Economy Claimed: 4.5 l/100km | Tested: 6.5 l/100km
OVERVIEW
How much do you value 40mm? That’s right, there is just four centimetres difference in ground clearance between the lower Swift hatchback and taller ‘SUV’ Ignis.
Don’t expect to venture off-road in the latter, either, as it’s a front-wheel-drive proposition. However you classify it, the Ignis’ body leaves it larger than Celerio but smaller than Swift. Yet it’s also cleverly packaged beyond counting millimetres.