The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is a popular compact crossover in India. It looks like a small SUV but drives like a hatchback. Maruti launched it in 2017. It sits on the Heartect platform. The Ignis offers high ground clearance. It fits city use and light rough roads. For 2026, the car stays mostly the same. Maruti gave price cuts after new GST rules in September 2025. The base model now starts at Rs 5.35 lakh ex-showroom. Top models go up to Rs 7.55 lakh. Discounts up to Rs 55,000 are common in February 2026. This makes it one of the cheapest options in its class. It competes with Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Citroen C3. For Indian buyers in places like Ranchi or Delhi, it gives good value. Let us look at the car in detail.
Quick Spec Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol (82 bhp, 113 Nm) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual or 5-Speed AMT |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 20.89 kmpl |
| Boot Space | 260 Litres |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm |
| Safety Rating | 1-Star Global NCAP |
| Price Range | Rs 5.35 – 7.55 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating | 5 |
Exterior Design
The Ignis has a unique and tough look. It measures 3700 mm in length. The width is 1690 mm. Height stands at 1595 mm. The wheelbase is 2435 mm. Ground clearance is 180 mm. This helps on Indian roads with potholes and speed breakers. In Ranchi monsoons, it avoids scrapes easily. The front has a bold grille. LED headlights are sharp in higher variants. Fog lamps add style. Daytime running lights make it look modern. From the side, it shows SUV-like cladding. Roof rails are ready for luggage. Wheels are 15-inch steel in base or 15-inch alloys in top. They fill the arches well. The rear has LED taillights. They connect with a black strip. A small spoiler sits on the tailgate. Dual-tone paint options look fresh. Colors include Nexa Blue, Pearl Arctic White, and Magma Grey. New shades like Radiance Edition add red accents. Paint quality is good. It resists scratches in city parking. The design is boxy yet cute. Young buyers love it. Elders find it easy to spot in traffic. Overall, it stands out without being too big.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Ignis feels practical. It seats five people. The cabin uses dual-tone colors. Dashboard has soft-touch parts in top trims. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped in higher variants. It tilts for easy adjustment. Front seats are comfortable. Driver seat gets height adjust in most models. Rear seats offer decent legroom. Tall people fit for short trips. Headroom is good even with sunroof. The boot space is 260 litres. It fits daily shopping bags. Fold the rear seats for more room. Up to 519 litres. Storage spots include door pockets and cup holders. Glovebox is cooled in some. The cabin stays quiet at city speeds. AC is strong. Automatic climate control comes in top models. In hot Indian summers, it cools fast. Rear AC vents keep passengers happy. Noise from road is low. But tyre noise enters at high speeds. For families in Mumbai traffic, it works well. Elders like the high seating position. Entry and exit are easy. Overall, comfort is good for daily use. It feels airy and simple.
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Features and Technology
The Ignis packs many useful features. The touchscreen is 7 inches in Zeta and Alpha variants. It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wireless connectivity works smooth. The display is clear in sunlight. A multi-info display shows fuel and trip data. Push-button start is there in mid variants. Keyless entry helps in rain. The Tech Package adds a dashcam and ambient lights. It costs extra but is worth it. Rear camera shows guidelines for parking. 360-degree view is missing. But sensors help in tight spots. Cruise control is not available. But the car is light and easy in city. Steering mounted controls manage music and calls. The sound system is basic but clear. Four speakers play well. Sunroof is not there. But big windows let light in. The MyMaruti app connects the car. It tracks location and service reminders. For Indian users, these features make life simple. In Delhi jams, the touchscreen helps with maps. Overall, features suit the price. It feels modern enough.
Engine and Performance
The Ignis uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine. It makes 82 bhp power. Torque is 113 Nm. The engine is smooth and reliable. It pairs with 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT. Manual is fun to shift. AMT is easy in traffic. Acceleration is lively in city. 0-100 kmph takes around 12 seconds. It feels peppy from low speeds. Overtaking on highways is okay up to 100 kmph. The engine loves revs. It stays refined. No diesel option now. This is a miss for highway users. Mileage is 20.89 kmpl claimed. Real world city gives 14-16 kmpl. Highway reaches 18-20 kmpl. Tank holds 32 litres. Range is good for daily drives. E20 fuel compliant. It runs on ethanol mix. Maintenance is low. Service every 10,000 km. Parts are cheap and available everywhere. In small towns like Dhanbad, Maruti service is quick. Overall, the engine suits Indian conditions. It saves fuel and runs smooth.
Ride and Handling
The Ignis rides well for its size. Suspension absorbs bumps nicely. It handles potholes without much jolt. Ground clearance helps on bad roads. Steering is light. It turns easy in narrow lanes. Body roll is controlled in corners. The car feels stable at 80 kmph. Brakes are strong with ABS. They stop quick. In rain, grip is good. No AWD option. But light weight helps. For city use in Kolkata traffic, it is perfect. On highways from Ranchi to Patna, it cruises easy. NVH is low. Engine sound is pleasant. Overall, handling is fun. It drives like a bigger car. Many owners take it on light off-road. It never feels stuck.
Safety Features
Safety is a weak point. Global NCAP gave 1-star rating in 2022 for adult protection. The body is strong but thin. Dual front airbags are standard. Higher variants may add side and curtain in some reports. But most sources confirm dual only. ABS with EBD is there. Hill hold assist helps on slopes. Rear sensors and camera aid parking. ISOFIX for child seats is standard. Seatbelt reminders work. ESP is available in top trims. For Indian roads, basics help. But rivals offer more airbags. Maruti added six airbags in some updates? Latest checks show dual in most. For families, it is okay for city. But highways need care. Drive safe always.
Variants and Pricing
The Ignis has four main variants. Sigma is base at Rs 5.35 lakh. It has basics like manual AC and steel wheels. Delta adds alloys and touchscreen. Zeta brings auto climate and camera. Alpha is top with leather steering and AMT option. Dual-tone costs extra. Prices after GST cut make it attractive. On-road in Delhi adds Rs 60,000-80,000. In Ranchi, it is lower. EMI starts at Rs 12,000. Discounts up to Rs 55,000 in 2026. A 7-seater may come later. Service network is huge. Annual cost is Rs 5,000-7,000. Resale is strong. Overall, value is high.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High ground clearance for bad roads.
- Good mileage and low running cost.
- Easy to drive in city.
- Maruti service everywhere.
- Unique crossover look.
- Affordable price after cuts.
Cons:
- Poor safety rating.
- No diesel or strong hybrid.
- Small boot in some.
- AMT can jerk in traffic.
- Basic features in base.
- Tight rear for three adults.
FAQs
What is the mileage of Maruti Suzuki Ignis?
ARAI claims 20.89 kmpl. Real city is 14-16 kmpl. Highway gives 18-20 kmpl.
Which variant is best?
Zeta or Alpha for features. Base Sigma for budget buyers.
Is Ignis safe for family?
Basics are there. But 1-star rating means careful driving.
What are competitors?
Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, Citroen C3. Ignis wins in mileage and service.
Any 2026 changes?
Price cuts after GST. Tech Package adds dashcam. No big facelift.
How is service in India?
Excellent. Maruti has centres everywhere. Costs low and parts cheap.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is a smart buy for Indian roads. It offers high clearance and good mileage. The design is fun. Driving is easy. In 2026, price cuts make it better value. Service is reliable across India. Safety is basic but enough for city. If you need a small car for family or daily use, pick Ignis. Test drive in your city. You will like the feel. It saves money on fuel and repairs. A worthy choice in Rs 6-8 lakh range. Go for it if you want simple and practical. (Word count: 1,728)
