A Suzuki to set sales soaring

SMALL car specialist motor manufacturer Suzuki who enjoyed record UK sales last year is set to do even better in 2017 with new models such as the Ignis which is certain to provide a boost to their booming business in this country.
Suzuki IgnisSuzuki Ignis
Suzuki Ignis

Ignis which is in the World Car of The Year finals is a bang up to date city car with a name from the past for Suzuki had an Ignis many years ago but this latest model should set new standards in this sector because it is such a desirable small car and is available with two or four wheel drive.

In fact it has made such a good impression on the UK market since going on sale in January that a motoring colleague with a Suzuki Swift who lives on the edge of the Pennines has already bought a 4x4 Ignis because he has been so impressed by it and to make sure he keeps on the move when snow and ice makes it difficult for two wheel drive cars to keep on the move. I have just been road testing the new Ignis 1.2 SHVS SZ5 with Allgrip four wheel drive costing £13,999 - SHVS means that this model is a mild hybrid that helps reduce CO2 emissions and improves fuel consumption.

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It is powered by a 1.2-litre four cylinder petrol engine with a five speed manual gearbox and has a top speed of 106mph a zero to 62mph time of 11.4 seconds a combined fuel consumption of 65.7mpg (the on board computer showed my consumption was around 50mpg) and CO2 emissions on this model are 106g/km.

As well as having hill hold and hill descent control this particular model is simply heaving with standard kit that includes 16inch black alloy wheels, sat nav, rear parking camera, DAB radio, information display, LED projector headlights, dual camera brake support, brake assist, and lane departure warning.

On the down side for this top 4x4 model as well as the extra cost there are the disadvantages of extra weight, reduced luggage capacity in the rear load area, reduced fuel capacity and slightly lower fuel consumption.

Considering its compact size there is a roomy interior with easy access through the four side doors, an easy to see speedometer right in front of the driver with user friendly controls on the touchscreen and manually below it. Ignis has distinctive exterior styling giving it considerable street appeal and it provides an enjoyable motoring experience for such a small car with quite lively driving although at higher speed I felt at times a sixth gear would have been useful.

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Although the four wheel drive Ignis has a smaller load area compared to two wheel drive models there is still enough space for a reasonable amount of luggage and shopping and the rear seat can be folded for more load space - I imagine that only the two seats up front are likely to be used most of the time by Ignis owners.

One of the competitors for the Ignis four wheel drive model is the Fiat Panda 4x4 but the Suzuki has so many features going for it I reckon that like my colleague it will attract the attention of quite a few admirers in the city car sector especially those looking for a small 4x4..

The funky Ignis which is built in Japan is great value for money with prices starting at £9,999 which is why it is set to add to those soaring Suzuki sales in the UK and help to create another record this year.

FACT FILE

Model: Suzuki Ignis 1.2 SHVS SZ5 Allgrip.

Engine: 1.2-litre four cylinder petrol.

Output: 90PS @ 6000rpm.

Transmission: Five speed manual.

Top speed: 106mph.

Acceleration: 0 to 62mph 11.4 seconds.

Fuel consumption: 65.7mpg combined.

C02 emissions: 106g/km.

Price: £13,999 on the road.