Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Track Test

Designed for millennials, the Ignis unquestionably has a funky design. And while some were doubtful about its quirky looks when they first saw it, over time, its design has become more acceptable. In fact, the car looks quite nice and certainly unique no matter which angle you look at it from. The same story continues inside the car, with the infotainment system sitting in the middle of the dash like a tablet. In contrast to that is the switchgear at the bottom of the centre console, which has a decidedly retro nature. 

Sadly, it’s not all good news inside the cabin – as the plastic quality doesn’t feel quite up to the mark. And the seats could do with additional support too – especially the side bolsters, which feel quite flimsy. But where the Ignis does score points is in terms of cabin and boot space, which gives you plenty of space for occupants – both front and rear. 

Maruti offers the Ignis with a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.3-litre diesel engine. We had the 1.3 on test this time around, and, thanks to its light kerb weight, the car feels quite spritely for a diesel hatchback. Once you overcome the initial turbo lag associated with cars in this segment, the motor revs freely through its mid-range and offers very good driveability. 

Refinement levels, though, aren’t great, as the cabin gets quite noisy as the speed rises. Inherently, the Ignis has a very capable chassis but it’s slim 175/65 section tyres don’t provide much grip – and, therefore, limit your confidence when your really push the car. That said, it remains very predictable from behind the wheel. 

But it’s from the outside – with its funky styling – that the Ignis really steals the show. It looks edgy and attractive in a segment where its peers tend to blend in. If it’s style you’re after, and you don’t mind getting noticed, the Ignis could well be the car for you. 

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