Maruti Suzuki introduced the Maruti Suzuki Ignis hatchback at the 2016 Auto Expo. The premium hatchback is expected to be launched around the Diwali season this year. Now, the latest is that the upcoming Ignis hatchback will be fitted with a CVT unit, exclusively in its petrol variant.
Most entry-level hatchbacks of the Maruti get an AMT gearbox, while the petrol trim of this premium hatchback will get a CVT unit, instead of an AMT unit. The base trims, however, will get the usual 5-speed manual transmission, as standard.
Maruti is clearly aware of the recent rise in demand and the growing customer preference for automatic gearboxes, especially, as the traffic in cities has been getting too heavy. So, many car buyers seem to prefer automatic transmission over manual transmission in order to enjoy seamless and hassle-free driving.
To cater to this need and trend, Maruti Suzuki will give its Ignis hatchback a CVT unit. The Indian carmaker already did the same for the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, sold as a premium hatchback through the Maruti’s NEXA dealerships. When launched, the Ignis will also be sold through the NEXA dealerships, as the Ignis is a premium hatchback.
The upcoming Ignis will be powered by the 1.2-liter petrol K12B engine with VVT and the 1.3-liter DDiS diesel engine with SHVS. The diesel engines will be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, while the CVT will be available exclusively with the petrol variant. The Ignis will come with a high ground clearance of 180 mm, with 3700 mm length, 1660 mm width and a wheelbase of 2435 mm.
The Ignis will be priced around Rs. 4.8-7 lakhs and will get to compete with Mahindra KUV100 and the soon-to-be-launched Tata Tiago Aktiv. To be launched in India in the festive season this year, production of the Ignis will take place at the Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing plant in Gujarat.
