And yes, it's coming finally. Putting an end to months of speculations and rumours, Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest carmaker has kick-started the teaser campaign for its much-awaited the Ignis compact crossover, indicating the arrival of the model in India.
The Ignis has now been listed on the Nexa website of Maruti Suzuki, with the 'coming soon' tag. The compact crossover, which has been keeping the auto lovers on the tenterhooks for quite sometimes now is expected to be launched in the country in January 2017. The Nexa, the destination for the premium cars of Maruti currently sells two—S-Cross and the Baleno and the Ignis will be the third model to join the floor.
The Ignis was first showcased in India at Auto Expo 2016 and will be pitted against Mahindra KUV100 in India. The compact crossover will also challenge the likes of Ford EcoSport, Fiat Urban Cross and Hyundai i20 Active. From what we hear, the Ignis may show the doors to the Ritz hatchback and Maruti has already stopped the production of it to make way for the new crossover.
In terms of dimensions, Maruti Ignis is 3,700mm long, 1,660mm wide and 1,595mm tall. It comes with 2,435mm long wheelbase and offers a ground clearance of 180mm. As for features, expect the Ignis to pack high-end Harman Kardon audio system with Apple Carplay, smartphone connectivity and safety features such as ABS with EBD, airbags and hill descent control.
As far as the engine of the Ignis is concerned, it is expected to come planked with 1.2-litre VTVT petrol engine and a 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel unit. Maruti is also said to be considering 1.0 BoosterJet turbo-petrol engine for Ignis and could also be available with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) box. We also hear that SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology may also make it to Ignis.
While there is not much information about the pricing of the Ignis, rumour has it that the Ignis would carry a price tag starting at Rs 5.5 lakh.
