Cramming more equipment (4WD, LED headlamps, hill descent control, 16.0-inch alloy wheels, electric windows, twin-camera lane and obstruction detection, keyless entry and start, sliding/reclining rear seats, sat-nav, cruise control, autonomous braking and mild hybrid engine technology integral to an all-encompassing specification) into the SZ5 AllGrip Ignis is a perfect ‘catchpenny’ marketing approach. Listed presently at a just shy (pre-discount) price of £14,500, in a range that starts at less than £12k (2WD), creates a ‘nolo contendere’ proposition.
Within its 3.7m length, 1.69m width and 1.59m height is comfortable and accommodating space for four large adults. Typical of Suzuki, a huge range of both steering column and driver’s seat adjustments means that a two metres tall driver fits readily, while leaving space in the rear. Its boot areea is capped at 204-litres, before folding the 50:50-split rear seats. Yet, there is no hint of pinching in either dimensional, or monetary terms and the driving experience is of a significantly larger machine, with deliciously quick and accurate steering, finely balanced ride, handling and grip and first-rate ride quality, despite its puddle-jumper inferences.
The sweet and willing 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine develops a modest 88bhp but, in a car tipping the scales at just 920kgs, its mild-hybrid packaging provides stop-start frugality and enough punch to cover the 0-60mph dash in around 10.0s. topping out at around 112mph. It is no hot hatch but it does not have to be and returning up to 59mpg, while emitting just 106g/km ensures that running costs are eminently affordable. While the 5-speed manual gearbox is slick, the 4x4 system works automatically apportioning engine torque to whichever end of the car needs it, with selectable Grip Control providing extra traction in sticky conditions (sub-18mph).
As suggested earlier, it is the details that do it. The gills on the centre console and the C-pillar hint at Suzuki’s past, as do the black ‘vents’ in the bonnet edges. Twin banks of rocker switches in the centre console manage the heating and ventilation (upper row) and drive aspects (lower row), while another supplementary bank in the right-hand lower dash manages the safety array. The rolled ‘metal’ door pulls and use of cream coloured lower dash and door cards trim add levity and class. The important aspect is that it is not overcooked and sidesteps the clichés deftly.
With the wheels pushed out to the corners, the blistered wheel-arches lined with protective black trim and a ride height that demands caution, when tackling severe surfaces, you could be forgiven for believing that the Ignis might shy away from more gruelling duties but you would be wrong. Pick the right track and this little car provides unerring traction over broken, or slippery surfaces, aided by its incredibly sturdy construction and remarkable, confidence inspiring stability.
