Suzuki's SUV is good enough - and cheap enough - to forgive its cheap-feeling materials and unsophisticated ride
Compactness, efficiency and big value for money are all hallmarks of the Suzuki Ignis-and this quirky little hatchback goes several steps further than that, earning its SUV-esque styling by being a competent soft-roader with the option of four-wheel drive.When launched in 2017, the segment-blending Ignis cost just £9999 in its cheapest, front-wheel-drive form and now you can pay as little as £4500 for one. Most examples at the cheaper end of the spectrum are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which makes 89bhp and 88lb ft of torque for a 0-60mph time of 11.1sec.These performance stats sound rather staid, but in the main the Ignis has more than enough poke and is untroubled when pushed hard. Sure, it takes its time to hit the redline, but the five-speed manual gearbox is precise and adds to what is a pleasant driving experience.You could have the 1.2-litre unit with 12V mild-hybrid technology, which added a starter-generator and a small lithium-ion battery to help the engine warm up and boost acceleration. It offered slightly better economy (expect around 55-60mpg) and a sub-100g/km CO2 emissions figure, meaning you will pay only £20 annually to tax it (if registered before April 2017).Engine specification aside, the Ignis is an enjoyable car to punt along, its dynamic qualities helped by its 855kg kerb weight. Thanks to that lightness and a short wheelbase, the Ignis serves up plenty of grip and agility; just be prepared for plenty of body roll (the 1.6m-tall body doesn't help here) and a lack of feedback from the steering, which can feel a bit remote in its operation.As for ride quality, there's a bit of fuss and fidget around town, but the Ignis deals with lumps and bumps well and isolates passengers effectively. While an Ignis fitted with Suzuki's Allgrip four-wheel drive system offers a bit more adhesion and an equally comfortable ride, its ability to cover distance off road is admirable.We don't mean the sort of beaten-up tracks and boulder-stricken paths that its Jimny sibling can tackle, but if you regularly find yourself on muddy grass or gravel tracks, the Ignis Allgrip is more than up to the task. It even has hill descent control.Despite being one of the cheaper options in its class, the Ignis is generally well equipped, albeit at a cost of some material quality. Cheap plastics abound inside, but it is bright, it has enough room for four adults and there's a robust feel to the fixtures and fittings.We would pass on basic SZ3 trim and aim for mid-rung SZ-T to get larger alloys, touchscreen infotainment and a reversing camera. SZ5 trim added climate control and keyless entry, but these cars are a little bit more expensive than equivalent SZ-Ts.You will pay closer to £10,000 for a facelifted Ignis. The new car came in 2020 with an even more rugged, SUV-like aesthetic and an upgraded interior. It's powered exclusively by a mild-hybrid petrol engine with a larger battery. It should easily manage 60-70mpg day to day and you can have it with a CVT, although the manual is the better wingman.With improved noise isolation, refinement and comfort, the facelifted Ignis makes an even better runaround - but any version is frugal, nippy and, above all, fun.
