BS VI Maruti Ignis facelift launched, costs Rs 6,000 more now

Maruti Suzuki has launched the facelifted Ignis hatchback after unveiling it at the 2020 Auto Expo. Pricing for the Ignis range starts from Rs 489,000 for the Sigma variant and goes up to Rs 720,000 for the top-spec Alpha AMT variant. The Ignis is available in a total of seven variants.

The design of the Ignis facelift is not vastly different from the model it replaces, especially when viewed from the side. However, it does feature a new grille design, which is reminiscent of the one present on the Jimny/ S-Presso. Other styling changes include a new front bumper with a faux scuff-plate and a reworked rear bumper.

There are two new colour options available on the Ignis range, which includes the Lucent Orange and Turquoise Blue shades. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki is also offering three new dual-tone colour options – Nexa Blue with Black, Nexa Blue with Silver, and Lucent Orange with Black. These are only avaiulable on the Zeta and Alpha trims and cost Rs 13,000 extra. The Ignis facelift now also comes with two customisation options - Acropolis and Scorcher - that add cosmetic touches.

Under the hood lies a BS VI-compliant version of the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K-12 petrol engine that produces 83hp and 113Nm of torque (same as the BS IV model). Gearbox options include both, 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT automatic units. The fuel efficiency figures are yet to be announced, though seeing as previous Maruti Suzuki models that transitioned to BS VI were marginally less efficient, the same is expected of the Ignis.

On the inside, the general design of the dashboard remains unchanged, though the 7.0-inch touchscreen has been upgraded with Maruti’s latest SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, which comes with voice command recognition and on-board navigation. The new Ignis can also be optioned with the S-Connect connectivity suite. 

The Ignis competes with the likes of the Mahindra KUV100 and Ford Freestyle, due to its tall-boy design and SUV-like cues.

Speaking on the launch, Kenichi Ayukawa, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India said, “The Ignis enjoys a special place in the Maruti Suzuki NEXA portfolio and has been appreciated for its peppy drivability and spacious interiors. We have recognised an increasing preference for feature-loaded cars that have SUV-like high seating position and dominant road presence. We are confident that the all new Ignis with its SUV design and spacious interiors will appeal to the customers.”

The Ignis is also being offered in dual tone colour options in Zeta and Alpha variants. The prices for dual tone Ignis is Rs 13,000 above the corresponding variants. In the 36 months since the launch in 2017 till December 2019, the Ignis has sold only 114,027 units. Will the facelift give a filip to sales?