Maruti Suzuki's NEXA network will get its third car (after the Baleno and S-Cross), in the form of the Ignis hatchback. After Maruti showcased the concept Ignis at the 2016 auto expo, the production-spec car has been spotted testing on the Delhi-NCR highway.
Most of the exterior design traits of the concept seem to have been retained and while the car is still in its final stages of development, we can expect its launch in the festive season.
The Maruti hatch will adorn the same boxy styling as seen during the Expo, though a handful of accessories like sporty roof rails, stylish grille, projector headlamps, lower black plastic cladding, will try to break that monotonous look. Among others, the high seating position offered by the Ignis gives better road visibility.
The market is just ripe for a product such as the Ignis, courtesy the growing demand for SUVs. Since entry level SUVs are still costlier compared to a hatch, buyers are hunting for something that remotely resembles an SUV, even if it does not behave like one.
The interior of the Ignis differs from the existing Suzuki cars. Unlike the KUV100, it will be a five seater car with a dual tone dash, infotainment system and digi-analog instrument cluster among other features.
With respect to engines, it might be offered with a 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol and a 1.3-litre DDiS190 diesel motor. We also expect the 1.0-litre boosterjet turbo petrol along with the regular ones.
When launched, the Ignis will be the third vehicle to mark its entry in the newly evolved mini-SUV segment. However, it will directly be competing with Mahindra’s KUV100, given the features and the price it will come along with.
The Ignis is expected to be yet another figure cruncher from Maruti’s stable. Its price is expected to fall in the bracket of Rs 5-6 lakh.
Source: CarDekho.com
