Confirmed: Maruti Suzuki Ignis to be launched in Q4; all you need to know

Putting an end to all the rumours and speculations over the past couple of months, it has now been confirmed that the much-awaited Ignis crossover from the house of Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest car-maker, will be launched in India in the fourth quarter of this year.

While speaking to CNBC RS Kalsi, executive director, Marketing & Sales of Maruti Suzuki, confirmed that the Ignis is set for its market entry in early 2017. The launch of the Ignis has become a topic of debate after it was reported earlier that the crossover would come to the Indian market only in 2017 as the company has a huge backlog for the current hot-selling models like the Vitara Brezza and the Baleno.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis made its India debut at the Auto Expo 2016 in February. The company has been putting the mini-crossover on test since then on the Indian roads. The Ignis, in its production avatar is likely to retain the styling of the concept of the model and will take on the likes of Mahindra KUV100 in India.

Powering the Ignis is likely to be a 1.2-litre VTVT petrol engine and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit. Rumours are also rife that the 1.0 BoosterJet turbo-petrol engine could also make it to the crossover in India.

As for features, the Ignis is expected to house high-end Harman Kardon audio system with touch-screen, and safety features such as ABS with EBD, airbags and hill descent control. In India, the Ignis will be sold through Maruti Suzuki's premium dealerships Nexa. The Ignis will be the third model to go on the floors of Nexa after the S-Cross and the Baleno.