Maruti Suzuki's first compact crossover Ignis had made its debut as a concept vehicle at the Auto Expo 2016. The production-spec was slated to enter market during the festive season. However, capacity constrains pushed the launch to January 2017. Suzuki will also open the Gujarat plant in January and Ignis will be the second product to be produced from the plant after Baleno.
Emerging reports indicate that the Gujarat facility will also be the global manufacturing hub for Ignis. Just like the Baleno hatchback that will be exported to over 100 countries from the Gujarat plant, Ignis will also be manufactured for global markets from there.
Ignis will feature LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), 180mm high ground-clearance, flared wheel arches and a wide C-pillar on exterior. The interior will boast of high-end Harman Kardon audio system that will offer smartphone integration. It will be equipped with a voice-recognition function and navigation. Safety features will include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, hill descent control and reverse camera with parking sensor.
Ignis will measure a length of 3,679mm. Maruti Suzuki crossover is 25mm longer than its rival Mahindra KUV 100, but is less wide than KUV 100's 1,705 mm at 1,660 mm.
Under the hood, the crossover is likely to get a 1.2-litre VTVT petrol engine and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit. We also hear that Maruti Suzuki is considering a 1.0 BoosterJet turbo-petrol engine for Ignis that could be available with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
Maruti Suzuki will sell Ignis via its Nexa premium dealerships. Price for the crossover is expected to start from Rs 5.5 lakh.
