Suzuki IGNIS
Looking for a small affordable second car that's reliable and cheap to run? If so, the
Suzuki Ignis might be just what you want, Vanessa Hinkley decides
Theres something different about the Suzuki Ignis but at first glance, its hard to make up your mind exactly what that is. On paper at least, this is a fairly conventional, affordable little three or five-door hatchback, with space for four adults. The difference comes when you park it alongside something more run of the mill which is when you notice the taller than average ride height. The result is an appearance that makes the car look almost like one of those little 4x4s: you want to drive it it looks like fun. Which is more than you can say of most urban runabouts in the sub-£10,000 price bracket.
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Four full-sized adults fit easily into what is quite a small package. Moreover, the seats proved to be surprisingly comfortable, incorporating a sophisticated springing system that apparently distributes pressure applied by the occupants backs and legs. I liked the fact that even the rear seats could be recline-adjusted and everyone commented on that high-set driving position, offering a more commanding view of the road than youd normally expect from a car of this type.
Suzuki have certainly paid attention to those who carped about the old Ignis lack of utility space.
With big pockets that incorporate bottle holders on every door, separate cup holders, under dash cubbies and a storage tray located beneath the front passenger
seat, theres plenty of opportunity to stow bits and bobs. The attention to detail is impressive, Suzuki fitting the Ignis with a 60/40 split rear seat back that can be reclined for comfort. Deadlocks, freewheeling key cylinders, an immobiliser and a visible VIN are all featured as well as remote central locking on every model.
The all-wheel drive 4GRIP model features a viscous coupling mounted just ahead of the rear axle to optimise weight distribution and minimise vibration from the axle and differential. The suspension system isnt the most sophisticated around but it does a good job of mopping up the worst high frequency vibrations. The steering uses an electric power system to take the effort out of low speed manoeuvring. This system offers a number of advantages over a more typical hydraulic system, not least of which is a benefit in fuel economy of between three and five per cent.
Enthusiastic drivers may well claim it lacks feel at higher speeds but the Ignis was never really targeted at those who prefer to corner a car on its door handles. Safety is well accounted for with the brakes being the first line of defence. Big 257mm ventilated front discs give the Ignis prodigious stopping power, especially when backed up by the latest generation anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution. Should the worst come to the worst, the Ignis body is designed to disperse energy evenly throughout the structure.
Three-point seatbelts are fitted on all five seats, the front pair also being beefed up with a pretensioning system and the added convenience and safety of height adjustable mountings. Twin front and side airbags are fitted as standard along with active head restraints. The driving position meanwhile, is much as youd expect from an inexpensive Japanese car of this type, with not much to offend unless youve an aversion to some rather thin plastics
Prices range between £7,995 and £9,995 and, as ever, equipment levels depend upon your choice of trim. The interior revisions to the latest Ignis model include backlit white dials and a six-speaker Blaupunkt CD system - unexpected touches at this price point. The stereo controls are integrated into the dashboard to foil any opportunist villains. Theres also an information display mounted above the stereo that shows the radio frequency or CD track, time, current fuel consumption and outside temperature again features that seem out of place on a sub £10,000 car.
The cowled dials look suitably sporting and although the fascia is neatly styled, a little more daring would have definitely paid dividends. A three-spoke steering wheel is teamed with a leather trimmed gearknob and gaiter to give a sporting impression although neither of the engines is particularly rapid. Both are, however, Euro IV compliant and extremely fuel efficient so there wont be any unexpected stings in the tail of Ignis ownership
I liked the Ignis and so will a lot of traditional Suzuki buyers, people who are interested in practicality and convenience. Even others used to more conventional cars may well find it a refreshing change from the norm, as long as their expectations in terms of ultimate performance arent too great.
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