Four years since its introduction in 2016, the Suzuki Ignis has recieved a facelift and technical refresh that you’ll be able to order from April 2020. Retaining the distinctive baby-SUV styling, it gains a restyled front end, a range of new colours and a more efficient engine.
Under the bonnet, its 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine has been revised with efficiency-enhancing hybrid technology. At this stage Suzuki has only detailed the alterations to the engine’s oil pump, cooling, injection and variable valve timing rather than the end result, despite being designed to help improve fuel economy.
However, there’s a measurable improvement in the car’s mild-hybrid technology – the battery capacity has increased from 3Ah to 10Ah, so it operates on battery more of the time.
This should allow more time on electric motor operation, more opportunities for assisted acceleration and a drop in overall emissions. The changes also allow a CVT automatic gearbox, potentially increasing the appeal of the Ignis to drivers who want a taller automatic car, but feel you need to get a bigger SUV to have adequate performance.
What’s it like inside?
Bold and easy to read, without adding too much expensive technology to a car that ultimately evokes rugged off-road aesthetics, the instruments sit in a refreshed interior that features a choice of gunmental grey or blue accents that complement the seat fabrics.
Outside, the distinctive Ignis shape has gained a five-bar grille inspired by the Jimny, and under-bumper accents to resemble skid plates from grown-up SUVs, completing the off-road attitude. Body colours, now totalling eleven single-tone and seven two-tone colours, include three new shades – Caravan Ivory Pearl Metallic, Rush Yellow Metallic, Tough Khaki Pearl Metallic.
What this means for you
In April 2020, you’ll be able to order a Suzuki Ignis with a bit of Jimny attitude – a good thing, since you won’t be able to order a Jimny for much longer (and those that are on sale seem to be being bought to resell at a premium). Not only that, the Ignis should have a useful drop in CO2 if specified with the new mild-hybrid system, and you’ll be able to get an automatic one too. It also means you should be able to get a great deal on a 20-plate Ignis in March or April.
We like the Ignis – our long-term one achieved impressive economy – and the 2020 version looks promising. We’ll bring you prices and detailed specifications as soon as they’re available.
