Maruti Ignis is the next micro SUV. This will be smaller than the Vitara Brezza and will be the entry-level car to the Nexa Range.

Maruti had showcased it at the 2016 Auto Expo. This will open up an entirely new segment that will help the company to enhance its sales. Here is a detailed preview of this new compact SUV.

The company has officially announced that the Ignis will be launched in the festive season of 2016. This means that this micro SUV should be launched by September 2016.

Maruti Ignis design

This SUV does look stylish and premium too. The new compact SUV gets the SUV-like stance, and wheel at every corner.

Aluminium-finished roof rails and even daytime running lamps on the headlamps.

The door pillars are blacked out and this makes it look like floating roof.

The headlamp design is aggressive, which makes it look bigger when see from front. But in reality it is compact and as large as the Swift in dimensions. The door handles are grab-on and the higher variants will get chrome finished ones.

The door pillars have been blacked out and there are roof rails too. The rear window area is smaller, but the C-pillar design is catchy.

The rear design is appealing too, and this is different from all other Maruti Suzukis that we have seen so far. Igneous will have good ground clearance for those who need to drive on bad roads. This looks more like a small SUV than a crossover.

Maruti Ignis interior

Now, this is Maruti. But it is Nexa Experience. So, the quality is good and fit and finish is top notch.

The new Ignis will have good quality and at the same time nice finish too. Where this super compact SUV excels is quality. It has a black and off white interior.

A new Suzuki steering wheel with more controls. A new instrument cluster, a touchscreen system. Everything looks stylish and premium on the inside.

Maruti has ensured that this compact SUV is one of the most stylish looking super compact SUV. Not just on the outside but even inside.

Space is good too. The front row seats have suede leather and are good in support. There is more than enough knee and back support.

This makes it comfortable for the front row passengers. The second row too is comfortable with good enough space. There is sufficient space with about 300 litres of boot space. This should be sufficient for city use.

This will be the first Maruti product to get a new Harman music system. The touchscreen infotainment system will come with Apple CarPlay.

This will help Ignis to attract buyers who like to listen to music. There will be eight speakers in the Ignis and Maruti is looking at adding more products with the Harman system in the near future.

Maruti Ignis features

In terms of features, the Ignis will get keyless entry, push start and stop, touchscreen system with navigation, reverse parking camera, dual airbags and even ABS. This will be loaded with bells and whistles as the company wants to capture this segment.

Maruti Ignis engine

The petrol engine will have a 1.2-litre K Series and will come with a five-speed manual and AMT options.

This is Maruti Suzuki’s favourite engine. This will continue on the new Ignis as well. The engine might be retuned. There will be a 1.0-litre BoosterJet but not for Indian car market. This will be the most fuel-efficient petrol SUV in its segment.

An all new 1.2-litre diesel engine will be powering this SUV. This three-cylinder diesel has been indigenously developed by Suzuki. This shall be mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

In terms of power, the output will be about 75-80bhp and it will have 190Nm of torque. For India a front wheel drive version and maybe an all-wheel could be introduced too.

This engine will be powering the Ignis. Off lately, there are rumours of a 1.3-litre diesel, which seems to a bit doubtful.

Yes, there will be an AMT on the petrol engine. This will be launched along with the 1.2-litre petrol engine. The diesel might not get an AMT, as there will be higher demand for petrol engine.

Maruti Ignis competition

Mahindra KUV100 will be the closest rival. The Ignis will of course be a lot more premium in styling and the Indian automaker will be looking at pricing it in the same KUV100 territory. We can even consider the Tata Tiago Aktiv is another competing product.

The Chevrolet Beat Activ is launching soon as well.

Maruti Ignis colours

The super compact SUV will be offered in white, grey, blue, silver and mostly even red as its colour options. There could be more sporty looking colours that will make this micro SUV stand out and look a lot more sophisticated. We can even expect some matte colour to be offered as well.

[source;rediff.com]