Maruti Suzuki Ignis Facelift – Funky Styling with Added Freshness

The updated Maruti Ignis brings minor styling and feature upgrades but the quirky hatchback’s core strengths of nimble handling and peppy engines continue.

Introduction

The quirky Maruti Suzuki Ignis has received its first update since launch in 2017, in the form of a mid-life facelift in July 2022. The refreshed Ignis gets exterior and interior tweaks along with added features to make it more appealing against rivals like the Mahindra KUV100 and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. The facelift aims to inject freshness while retaining the Ignis’ funky SUV-inspired styling and peppy driving experience.

Build Quality

The Ignis facelift carries forward the same lightweight HEARTECT platform from the pre-facelift car. Plastics quality on the lower variants remains scratchy but the mid and top trims get better textured materials.. Panel gaps are inconsistent in some areas but paint finish shows good consistency. The high ground clearance combined with short overhangs help in tackling rough roads confidently. Overall build quality is acceptable given its budget positioning.

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Exterior Design

The Ignis retains its tallboy boxy proportions but gets a few cosmetic updates. The revised front fascia sports a wider grille merged with the headlights. New LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs modernize the look while the fog lamps get LED elements. At the rear, updated LED tail lamps are connected by a light bar. New dual-tone 16-inch alloys also freshen up the side profile. Overall, the Ignis retains its quirky SUV-inspired styling combining retro and modern elements.

Interior Design

Inside the cabin, the Ignis facelift gets an updated all-black and grey dual-tone theme. The 7-inch SmartPlay infotainment gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The flat-bottom steering wheel gives it a sporty feel. Seats with integrated headrests offer adequate comfort up front but the rear bench lacks under-thigh support. The high seating position aids visibility but tall occupants may find headroom limited. Overall space stays unchanged and can seat four adults comfortably.

Practicality

The Ignis offers decent practicality thanks to its tallboy shape. Ingress and egress is easy while visibility all-round is excellent barring over the shoulder at the rear. The seats split 60:40 to extend boot space from 260 liters to 474 liters for added cargo flexibility. Cabin storage spaces including two cup holders, a rear armrest and door pockets are adequate. The high ground clearance of 180mm helps tackle speed bumps and uneven roads well.

Features and Safety

Lower variants get features like manual air conditioning, front power windows and dual airbags. Higher trims add auto climate control, rear wiper and washer, push button start/stop, keyless entry and alloy wheels. However, the omission of rear power windows even on the top variant is a miss. Safety kit consists of dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard. Hill hold assist is available only on the AMT variants.

Engine and Performance

The Ignis facelift continues with the 1.2L VVT petrol paired to 5-speed manuals. A 5-speed AMT is optional. Performance remains unchanged with both engines offering adequate driveability for city usage but lacking punch for highway cruising. Claimed mileage stands at 20.89kmpl for petrol MT, 20.75kmpl for petrol AM. The petrol engine is refined but gear Shifts on the MT could be smoother.

Ride and Handling

Thanks to its compact footprint and well-tuned suspension, the Ignis is quite engaging to drive. The light steering is nice for maneuvering through traffic while high speed stability is also praiseworthy. Ride quality is slightly firm but soaks up bumps reasonably well. Body roll is controlled despite the tall stance. Braking performance from the front discs and rear drums could be better. Overall, the Ignis facelift carries forward its nimble city car dynamics competently.

Price and Verdict

The Maruti Ignis facelift is priced between Rs. 5.84 – 8.16 lakh, ex-showroom which offers good value. The mid-life update adds more appealing styling and new features to augment the Ignis’ funky character and city-friendly nature. However, it misses out on some equipment while build quality also has scope for improvement. For those seeking a compact, quirky and customisable hatchback, the Ignis facelift remains a strong contender.

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