► 2020’s Suzuki Ignis city car
► MHEV boost and Jimny look
► Available from April 2020
Suzuki’s cutesy Ignis has received a facelift four years after its introduction. Along with a nip and tuck to its retro looks, the Ignis has had a technical refresh that you’ll be able to order from April 2020.
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 powers the updated Ignis?
Under the bonnet, its 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine has been revised with efficiency-enhancing mild hybrid technology. In the case of the updated Ignis, the MHEV battery’s capacity has increased from 3Ah to 10Ah, so it operates on battery more of the time and differing from our experiences running a SHVS-enabled Swift long-termer in 2017.
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.
This should allow more time on electric motor operation, more opportunities for assisted acceleration and a drop in overall emissions. The changes also include a (groan) CVT automatic gearbox.
What’s it like inside?
Still funky and a little off the wall, but slightly refreshed. The instruments are still bold and easy to read, without adding too much expensive technology to a car that ultimately evokes rugged off-road aesthetics. Your colour choices are gunmental grey or blue accents that complement the seat fabrics.
When can I buy one?
You’ll be able to order a Suzuki Ignis with a bit of Jimny attitude from April 2020. That’s 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.