Suzuki’s budget SUV, the Ignis – ‘Iggy’ to many – has stepped up with a refreshed look that brings it into line with the company’s overall design language and gained uprated specification.

“The Ignis is one of our best-selling vehicles. I believe it is because it exists in the sweet spot where our compact car and compact off-road SUV experiences meet. It is a nimble and easy-driving city vehicle, but offers the space, driving experience and ground clearance of an SUV, which is perfect for our road conditions,” says André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa.

The new Suzuki Ignis, is introduced exactly three years after it was first launched, notching up nominations as a 2018 SA Car of the Year finalist, the Drive360 Car of the Year and international awards such as the 2018 Urban World Car of the Year Runner-Up and Scottish Compact Car of the Year.

The prominent S-emblem on the front grille is now flanked by four chromed square slots. The new grille visually fills the space between the front lights to create a bright bar from edge to edge between the front fenders, especially on the GLX-model, where the surrounding grille face also has chrome accents.

As before, the GLX-models feature wrap-around daytime running lights with projector style LED headlamps.

Below the new grille is a lower bumper, which now incorporates the fog lights, on the GLX-specification, and a trapezoidal silver lower faux scuff plate for an upswept SUV-look.

At the rear, a similar scuff plate design replaces the previous black bumper insert and ensures a coherent SUV-signature look. Two integrated upright reflectors round off the changes at the rear.

All models offer a 60:40 split rear seats, 260 litres of boot space and ample interior space for five occupants.

It also offers luxuries, such as an audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, steering controls, power windows, central locking and a multi-information display across the range.

All models further offer safety features such as dual crash bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and ISOFIX child anchor points. Security is taken care of by a standard alarm and immobiliser combination.

“The new Ignis continues our practice of not making our safety and security features optional, dependent on specification level. This means that you benefit from all of our passive and active safety and security features, even if you opt for the entry-level GL specification level,” says Venter.

Additional features in this derivative include a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in. The large touch screen doubles as a reverse camera monitor, while the reverse camera is supplemented by rear parking sensors.

The Ignis GLX gains keyless entry with a Push-button start, climate control, chrome or silver highlights on the parking brake, door handles and shift knob.

The power plant is unchanged and all versions of the Ignis are fitted with Suzuki’s K12M 1,2-litre petrol engine with variable valve timing and multi-point fuel injection.

This engine delivers 61 kW at 6 000 r/min and 113 Nm at 4 200 r/min, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, with the option of Suzuki’s newest generation automated manual transmission on the GLX model.

Suzuki has added a number of new colours and colour combinations and he choice of silver or blue cabin accents, depending on the exterior colour as well as the option of new two-tone colour combinations.

With the new Ignis, the colour palette has increased to include: Arctic White Pearl Metallic, Silky Silver Metallic, Glistening Grey Metallic, Turquoise Blue Pearl Metallic and Midnight Black with Pearl Finish.

Two-tone combinations now include Stargaze Blue Pearl Metallic with Black combination, and Lutecent Orange with Black Metallic.

The Ignis is available immediately and will be offered with a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan and Suzuki’s promotional 5-year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty, which includes roadside assistance.