Maruti Suzuki Ignis to be launched in February 2017; mini-crossover to get Boosterjet engine: Report

Maruti Suzuki was supposed to launch Ignis in the H2 of 2016, but postponed it over production constraints.

Japanese car maker Suzuki unveiled Ignis mini-crossover at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. It made India debut at the Auto Expo 2016 and was confirmed for launch during the festive season of 2016. However, production constrains has now pushed the launched of Ignis to 2017. Emerging reports indicate that the mini-crossover will enter market in February.

With the testing close to completion, Ignis will enter market by February with an expected 1.0-litre Boosterjet three-cylinder petrol engine, reports Financial Express. Initially, Ignis will be offered only in petrol engine, the report adds. Transmission options will include a five-speed manual and Maruti Suzuki may offer an AMT unit on the Boosterjet or the regular engine. Apart from the turbo-petrol engine, Ignis is likely to get a 1.2-litre VTVT petrol engine and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit.

Ignis will be the next premium offering of Maruti Suzuki to be sold via Nexa premium dealerships. The car will feature LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), 180mm high ground-clearance, flared wheel arches and a wide C-pillar on exterior. Ignis is expected to feature high-end Harman Kardon audio system and safety features such as ABS with EBD, airbags and hill descent control.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis is 3,700mm long, 1,660mm wide and 1,595mm tall. It comes with 2,435mm long wheelbase. This means Ignis is 25mm longer than its rival Mahindra KUV 100.

Ignis will be pitted against Mahindra KUV100 and is expected to get a price tag starting at Rs 5.5 lakh. Suzuki sells Ignis with AWD option in Japan. Maruti Suzuki is tight-lipped about the availability of AWD variant in India.