Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The Ignis uses Maruti’s familiar 1.2-litre K12N petrol engine, known for its reliability and peppy nature in urban traffic. It produces 83 PS and 113 Nm of torque. With its low weight, the car feels nimble and responsive off the line.

The 5-speed manual transmission is smooth and pairs well with the engine, while the AMT is tuned for city driving. It may feel jerky under aggressive inputs but works well in stop-go traffic. Claimed fuel efficiency is 20.89 kmpl for the AMT and slightly less for the manual. Real-world mileage sits between 18–19 kmpl in mixed conditions.

The car hits 0–100 kmph in around 12 seconds with the manual gearbox and can reach a top speed of about 150 kmph. It’s not made for spirited highway drives, but for everyday city use, the powertrain feels adequate and refined.

Ride and Handling

The Ignis rides on a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. The ride is firm but acceptable for daily use. It handles small bumps and speed breakers well, though sharper potholes do send some thuds into the cabin.

At low speeds, the suspension feels stiff, but the trade-off is excellent city handling. The Ignis feels light and nimble, easily darting through traffic. With its compact dimensions and light steering, parking and U-turns are effortless.

On highways, the car remains stable up to 100–110 kmph, but wind noise and lightness become noticeable beyond that. Braking performance is good, with disc brakes up front and drums at the rear. ABS works subtly, even in panic stops.

The Ignis is designed to be compact and functional inside. The black fabric upholstery feels youthful, and the front seats are well-cushioned with adequate headroom and visibility. The infotainment unit is the familiar 7-inch SmartPlay Studio system, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Rear seat space is tighter, especially in width. While two adults can sit comfortably, three passengers feel cramped on longer journeys. Knee room stands around 875 mm, making it best for city errands or short commutes.

The 260-litre boot is decent for daily groceries or small bags and expands to nearly 500 litres with the rear seat folded. Storage nooks, bottle holders, and charging ports are placed thoughtfully across the cabin. Basic comfort features like power windows, remote keyless entry, and manual AC start from the Delta trim onward.

The Ignis stands out with a design that’s quirky and full of personality. The wide U-shaped LED DRLs integrated into the headlamp cluster, upright grille, and chunky cladding around the wheels give it a youthful, crossover-like presence. It’s compact but has a strong stance, aided by 15-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and squared wheel arches.

At the rear, the tall tail lamps and flat hatch keep things simple and functional. Color options such as Lucent Orange, Turquoise Blue, and Nexa Blue paired with a black roof offer good variety for buyers who want something fun-looking.

Inside, the cabin follows a black theme with silver inserts and a floating 7-inch infotainment screen. The dashboard is neat and slightly minimalistic, with circular AC vents and toggle-like switches. While lower trims like Sigma feel bare, the Zeta and Alpha trims add the necessary polish to match the exterior flair.

The 2025 Ignis gets safety upgrades, including six airbags on the top Alpha variant, while dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, reverse parking sensors, ISOFIX mounts, and seatbelt reminders are standard.

Maruti has made structural updates to meet current crash norms, but the Ignis has not yet been rated by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP as of April 2025. Its predecessor received a 3-star GNCAP rating for adult protection, but that data does not apply to the current version. The platform remains the Heartect architecture shared with Baleno and Swift, offering decent passive safety by segment standards.

Hill hold assist is available on AMT variants, and while there’s no ADAS or high-end tech, the Ignis still offers competitive safety kit for its price.

The Ignis competes in a unique space among entry-level and crossover-styled hatchbacks. The Maruti Swift (₹6.49 lakh–₹9.64 lakh) offers a similar engine with a newer Z-Series update and slightly more space, but it comes at a higher price.

The Tata Punch (₹6.13 lakh–₹10.20 lakh) brings 5-star GNCAP safety, more boot space (366 litres), and SUV-like stance, though it is heavier and less efficient.

The Renault Kwid (₹4.70 lakh–₹6.63 lakh) undercuts the Ignis with a 1.0L engine and similar practicality but lacks refinement and safety, with just a 1-star GNCAP rating.

Maruti’s own S-Presso (₹4.09 lakh–₹6.64 lakh) offers a 1.0L engine and 270-litre boot, but feels more basic and less premium than the Ignis.

The Citroën C3 (₹6.16 lakh–₹10.27 lakh) offers turbo performance and spacious interiors but lacks many essential features in its base variants. In this landscape, the Ignis stands out for its blend of quirky styling, efficient petrol motor, and compact urban usability.

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Ignis remains a city car that breaks away from the routine. It isn’t the roomiest or the most powerful, but it brings character, convenience, and value to the table. The compact size, strong mileage, updated features, and Maruti’s extensive service support make it an ideal pick for young drivers or those seeking a reliable second car. If you’re after a quirky hatch with urban flair and solid fundamentals, the Ignis still delivers.