Maruti Suzuki Ignis in a nutshell: India launch, price, specs and more

It looks like the wait for Maruti Suzuki's much-awaited Ignis compact crossover might be extended in India, as emerging reports on the web suggest that the launch could take place only in the fourth quarter of the ongoing financial year.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis has been keeping auto lovers in the country on tenterhooks since its first appearance at the Auto Expo 2016. Although the compact crossover was expected to come during the festive season, the production constraint of the current models like the Vitara Brezza and the Baleno seems to have prompted the company to defer the launch of the Ignis in India. Maruti Suzuki Ignis is expected to be the third model to join the floor of Nexa, the premium dealership of the country's largest carmaker in the country.

Maruti Ignis has never strayed from the news since its inception. The Ignis has created a lot of buzz on the web and is one of the most awaited models in the Indian market. The Ignis is expected to enter the territory of Mahindra KUV100 in the domestic market and is also expected to take on the likes of hatchbacks when it comes to pricing.

While there is still no indication on the pricing structure of the Ignis, expectation is that the company would price it starting at Rs 5.5 lakh. If this holds true, Maruti Suzuki Ignis in all likelihood will emerge as a competitor to the cars in the hatchback segment too.

The interesting bit that we also hear lately is that Maruti is looking to replace the Ritz with the new Ignis. While the truth about this bit of information is still debatable, rumour has it that the production of the Ritz has already been slowed down and sales of it is likely to continue only till stocks last.

The Ignis is likely to get a 1.2-litre VTVT petrol engine and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit. Maruti is also said to be considering 1.0 BoosterJet turbo-petrol engine for the Ignis and could also be available with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) box.

Ignis is expected to get high-end Harman Kardon audio system and safety features such as ABS with EBD, airbags and hill descent control. Maruti Ignis is 3,700mm long, 1,660mm wide and 1,595mm tall. It comes with 2,435mm long wheelbase and offers a ground clearance of 180mm.