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The Suzuki Ignis is a small SUV-esque hatch that was re-launched in 2017.
It returned after the discontinuation of the original Ignis, which was also sold in Australia as the first-generation Holden Cruze.
At the time of its relaunch it was available in two trim levels with just one 1.2-litre petrol engine in either CVT auto or manual guise.
It serves as a stand-in for the Suzuki Celerio which was discontinued around the time of the Ignis’ arrival.
The range currently extends from the Ignis GL at $21,490 to the Ignis GLX Shadow at $25,990.
The second-generation Ignis is more of a style-focused small SUV competing against cars like the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Juke.
I’ve trawled lists of Suzuki warning lights and their meanings, but I can’t find one that approximates a red D in a rectangle. The closest I could get to was a warning that the rear fog-light was on (the lamp signal can look vaguely like a `D’) but to have an audible alarm as well is very strange.
An ABS fault-light usually (in a Suzuki) features the letter A, B and S, so I’m not sure how the dealership arrived at the conclusion that the ABS system was at fault. Have you had the car electronically scanned? That can often throw light on what’s going wrong, even on an intermittent basis.
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If ground clearance is a real issue for you, why don’t you try a compact SUV?
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There isn’t a new Ignis scheduled for release in 2018.
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Suzuki’s thought about storage, as demonstrated by the big glovebox, bottle-holding door pockets up front, deep lower-console shelf and trio of cupholders, though there is no central armrest or bin, even in this up-spec grade.
Suzuki’s gone for a somewhat old-school off-roader theme inside, evidenced by the chunky heater/air-con controls, toggle switchgear and 4x4-look pared-back dash, while there’s plenty of hardy, hollow-sounding plastics to remind you that this is built down to a price.
There’s space galore in every direction in the four-seater GLX version as tested, excellent vision and windows that wind (electrically of course) all the way down for a light and airy feel.
The Ignis GLX includes LED headlights with daytime running lights and auto on/off functionality, climate control air-conditioning, keyless entry and start, six (rather than four) speaker audio system, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels (with a space-saver spare), replacing 15-inch steelies.
They build on the base GL’s six airbags (dual front, front side and curtain items), stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist and traction control, as well as cruise control, fog lights, 7.0-inch touchscreen, reverse camera, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, leather-clad steering wheel and roof rails. Digital radio is not available on either grade.
Interestingly, the GLX also swaps the GL’s fixed three-seater rear bench seat for a sliding (and reclining) 50/50 split-fold two-seater item, trading practicality for luggage-lugging versatility.
You'll marvel at the versatility of the cargo area, thanks to the sliding split bench in the GLX grade, that increases cargo capacity from 264 litres in normal four-seat mode to 515L with the backrests folded and 1104L in “maximum volume” mode.
It’s properly long and deep in this setting. There’s a deep floor (with a space-saver spare underneath) and a light, but not much else. The fit and finish is fine but the floor seems flimsy and the parcel shelf lightweight. At least it isn’t mesh as per the Honda HR-V’s.
The front buckets are comfy and enveloping, even though there is no lumbar adjustment support fitted; there is a height lever on the driver’s side, ample rearward travel for taller folk and side bolstering to help hug you through corners, while the soft cloth material feels good to the touch.
Being a GLX, the rear bench is split 50/50, is designed to only carry two people. Both also slide forward by a significant amount, boosting cargo space.
The Ignis GLX CVT is estimated to manage the 0-100km/h sprint time in about 12.5 seconds.