Maruti Suzuki Ignis compact crossover to be launched in January 2017

India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has been struggling with capacity constrains with increased sales of two new models -- the Baleno and the Vitara Brezza. Both the manufacturing facilities of Maruti Suzuki in Haryana are currently running in full capacity, and hence there were reports that the auto major's next new car launch will happen only after the inauguration of the Gujarat plant in January 2017. Justifying the rumours, emerging reports indicate the company will launch the Ignis only in the Q4 of this financial year, and most probably in January.

The first compact crossover of Maruti Suzuki gained public attention when it was debuted in India at the Auto Expo 2016. The company was slated to launch the Ignis in the ongoing festive season. It looks like the unexpected demand for the Baleno and the Vitara Brezza has derailed launch plans of the Ignis. 

Ignis will boast of LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), 180mm high ground-clearance, flared wheel arches and a wide C-pillar on exterior.

The crossover's interior will boast of high-end Harman Kardon audio system. Ignis will be the first Maruti Suzuki car in India to feature this audio system. The audio system will offer smartphone integration. It will be equipped with a voice-recognition function and navigation. Safety features in Ignis will include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, hill descent control and reverse camera with parking sensor.

Being a compact car, Ignis measures 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 1.0 BoosterJet turbo-petrol engine for the Ignis that could be available with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). Maruti Suzuki will sell the Ignis via its Nexa premium dealerships.