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Suzuki launches new Ignis crossover in SA: We have prices and details

  • New Suzuki crossover 
  • 'Cheeky design' says Suzuki
  • 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine
  • Choice of five-speed manual or auto 'boxes

Cape Town - Expect to be surprised and delighted, says Suzuki, when its highly-anticipated Ignis crossover arrives in South African roads later in May 2017. The crossover will go on sale locally from June 1. 

Wheels24's Janine Van der Post is attending the launch of the Ignis in the Western Cape.

First shown at the 2015 Paris Motor Show, the Ignis has since become a popular addition to the Suzuki small car family in Europe and a runner-up in the World Car of the Year for best Urban Car.

New crossover

It's offered in GL and range-topping GLX versions. Both are powered by the same 1.2-litre engine. Prices start from R169 900 for the GL and R204 900 for the GLX auto.

It offers 260 litres of cargo space, expandable to 469 litres with the rear seat folded.

Standard kit includes power windows, remote central locking, aircon, power steering, and an MP3-compatible CD sound-system with USB port and 12V accessory power socket. 

In terms of safety it's fitted with dual front airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, side-impact protection beams, Isofix child seat anchors and child-proof rear-door locks.

Under the bonnet

It's powered by the automaker's K12M 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine used in the Swift 1.2.

The normally aspirated, 1197cc motor benefits from the crossover’s low kerb mass (only 850kg) to produce 61kW/113Nm. 

The engine can be mated to a five-speed manual or Suzuki’s Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), driving the front wheels. 

The manual version accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11,6 sec, while top speed is 165 km/h. Fitted with an auto, the Ignis reaches 100km/h in 13,0 sec, while top speed is 155 km/h.

The fuel-consumption is 5.1 litres/100km for the manual 4.9 litres/100km for the auto.

What's it like to drive?

Van der Post says: "We're driving the 1.2 higher-spec GLX models today (May 25) on launch in the Western Cape. The Ignis' 1.2 engine, mated to the 5-speed manual is a great match and is incredibly gutsy for its capacity. Its 61kW/113Nm of torque is more than suffice and instills enough confidence to want (and be able to) overtake.


"Driving along DuToitsKloof pass outside Paarl, towards Rawsonville, this little compact SUV is fun. I could push it through the pass at surprising pace. 

"It's absolutely adorably with its styling cues borrowed from the Suzuki Cervo and Fronte Coupe of yesteryear. This car could sell like hotcakes assuming buyers realise its worth.

"Build quality, which has been a bit flimsy in previous Suzuki models, has been improved and the car feels genuinely solid to drive. 

"It's rivals are the Mahindra KUV, Volkswagen Up Crossover and the Hyundai Grand i10."


The new Suzuki Ignis is covered by a standard three-year or 100 000km warranty, as well as a two-year or 30 000km service plan. Services are 15 000km/12 month intervals.

Prices:

Ignis 1.2 GL 5MT - R169 900

Ignis 1.2 GLX 5MT - R189 900

Ignis 1.2 GLX 5-speed auto - R204 900

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