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Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet SZ3: Suzuki’s unique take on the compact crossover

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Suzuki Ignis

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29 December 2016

Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet SZ3

What is it?

In a nutshell, the Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet SZ3 is Suzuki’s new compact crossover.

The compact crossover market is exploding and now Suzuki wants a slice with this reborn Ignis.

It is hard to define the new Ignis’s rivals, although the Fiat Panda 4×4 is probably closest. But Suzuki have made sure that this new car will stand out, with its cheeky and retro styling, plus the choice of two-wheel and four-wheel drive hybrid models.

We’ve had a go in the expected best-seller, the two-wheel drive 1.2 Dualjet in SZ3 trim, to see what it’s like.

What’s hot

  • Only an 89bhp 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine is available on all Ignis models, but when this car weighs just 810kg, performance is best described as perky and willing. It accelerates to 60mph in just 13.5 secs and has a top speed of 106mph. But performance isn’t really the point of cars like the Ignis. The two-wheel drive version we’ve tested is capable of 61.4mpg on the combined cycle, but emits just 104g/km CO2 emissions. It is well-matched to the light, positive five-speed manual transmission to bring a 17% tax band.
  • The Ignis’s small footprint, keen performance and the fact it’s so easy to drive, make it a fun partner around town.
  • The tall, squared-off styling will not appeal to all but we reckon the Ignis will make you smile. Retro Japanese car enthusiasts (like us!) will rejoice at those slots in the rear pillar and the upswept quarter lights, which are a nod to the iconic SC100, or Whizzkid Coupe. Suzuki stylists have also borrowed other design cues from popular models such as the Vitara (clamshell bonnet) and Swift (blacked-out glass and door pillars). Although the new Ignis has unique and distinctive front and rear styling and we have to say the overall effect is a total success.
Suzuki Ignis
Distinctive cabin with central infotainment screen
  • The Ignis’s distinct look is carried on into the interior, with the standout parts of the dashboard being the round air-conditioning panel, more Whizzkid-like slits in the footwell, the quirky toggle switches and the central infotainment screen that dominates the middle of the dashboard. The Ignis is no Audi in terms of build quality, but this Suzuki feels solid and built to last.
  • The driving position is comfy, with plenty of headroom because of the tall shape. Rear space is equally impressive and the bench seat can be slid forward and back to make even more room. There’s even a practical 267-litre boot!
  • Ignis might be a compact car, but it thankfully has plenty of grown-up safety features including the sadly optional Dual Camera Brake Support, that will warn the driver and apply the brakes if it thinks that a collision is likely to happen. In fact, it’s worthwhile going for this option, as the Euro NCAP rating goes from a middling three stars to a more impressive five stars. There’s also a lane-departure warning system.
  • Ignis standard equipment is pleasingly comprehensive and includes six airbags, air-conditioning, a DAB radio, Bluetooth, 16-inch alloy wheels and electric windows.

What’s not

  • Whilst the Ignis might be generally fun to drive, we wish there was less body lean in corners, the steering had more feel and that the out-of-town ride wasn’t quite so bouncy.
  • The 1.2 Dualjet engine goes well enough, but can get quite buzzy when worked hard.
  • The front seats are a bit flat and lack support.
  • Suzuki’s own infotainment system can be slow to operate and looks a bit cheap, but once programmed is fine in use.

 Verdict

The Ignis looks great, has impressive packaging, is fun to drive and should prove cheap to run.

The Suzuki also has no natural rival, so that makes it unique in our eyes and makes a surprisingly attractive business buy as long as you’re aware of its limitations.

The lowdown on: Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet SZ3

Doors and body style Five-door compact SUV
Engine/gearbox: 1.2-litre 4cyl petrol/5-speed manual transmission
CO2 Emissions: 104g/km
Economy (combined): 61.4mpg
Power/torque: 89bhp/120Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 13.5secs/106mph
Insurance group: n/a

What it Costs:

P11D value £9,944
Monthly business rental (ex VAT): n/a
Road Tax (VED): £0 first year
Company Car Tax Band 2016/17 to 2018/19: 17%, 19%, 21%
Benefit in Kind 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19: £1,690, £1,889, £2,088
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (20%): £755/£63
Annual/Monthly fuel benefit (40%): £1,510/£126
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (20%): £338/£28
Annual/Monthly Company Car Tax (40%): £676/£56
Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki Ignis – tall body gives good headroom but prone to body-lean in corners

 

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