Production Version of India Bound Suzuki Ignis debuts at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show

Maruti Suzuki Ignis Tokyo 2015

At the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, production version of India bound Suzuki Ignis debuts with Petrol SHVS Hybrid, India launch likely by mid 2017

Tokyo Motor Show has seen Suzuki unveils its mini 4×4 SUV derived from the iM-4 concept that broke cover alongside its larger sibling the iK-2 concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Christened as the Ignis, the compact crossover has all the makings of a cheap yet reliable and functional small package put together into one.

Much like the ik-2 concept which acted as a harbinger to the recently launched Baleno hatchback, the mini crossover SUV emulates its original concept’s “shape the inspiration” theme as it comes with minimalistic changes to what had been showcased at Geneva in March.

The Ignis nomenclature has been around the global market since the early parts of the last decade as sub-compact Suzuki models and the Indian incarnation springs up an all-new, lightweight, new generation platform shared with the freshly launched Baleno.

Though the technical specifications are yet to be revealed, the Ignis is expected to measure about 3.7m in length, 1.66m in width and 1.59m tall.

The mini SUV sports a chrome-lined large grille with infused LED headlights, blacked out A and B pillars and flared wheel arches ditching the three slats above the rear wheel arch from the conceptual model.

Overall the aesthetics look both innovative and retro whilst the interiors are rather laid out simple with dual-tone dashboard and the addition of the touchscreen infotainment system is expected to adorn the top-end variants.

Under the bonnet, the Ignis could feature a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine that produces power output of 91 PS and 118 Nm of peak torque coupled with a CVT gearbox.

Fuel consumption will be minimal thanks to the SHVS mild hybrid system (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) that incorporates an integrated starter generator (ISG) offering power assistance using the motor and is capable of achieving power regeneration with low Co2 emissions.

Despite no confirmation on whether the sub four-metre compact crossover will see the light in our country, this model being offered both in FWD and AWD variants is certainly a match made in heaven for the ever-growing Indian market.