A purposeful new face
Overall, the new Ignis exudes a playful mischievousness. Four chromed square slots on the front grille bring it in line with the latest Vitara and Jimny. On the GLX model, the surrounding grill face is outlined with a fine strip of chrome, while the GL model's is finished in black. It looks especially striking against the white body colour.
Related: Is the Suzuki Ignis (2019) a good car for a new driver?
Both the GL and GLX models feature a new faux skid plate below the redesigned lower bumper, with fog lamp housings on either side (GLX models have fog lamps as standard, as seen below). The flagship model also comes with roof rails, flared wheel arch extensions and wraparound DRLs with projector headlamps.
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A more pert behind
The previous model's black bumper insert is replaced with a trendy new scuff plate at the back, which visually raises the Ignis's rear-end into something a little perkier. Two integrated reflectors add visual interest and break up the solidity of the body-coloured bumper.
More interior options
Suzuki has made a number of new colour combinations available for the already youthful and fresh interior. You can choose between silver or blue cabin accents, depending on your choice of exterior colour.
Specification wise, the GL model (below) features the same audio system with USB and Bluetooth, satellite buttons on the steering wheel, electric windows in the front and rear as well as central locking, and a multi-information display, among other features.
GLX models are equipped with a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for fuss-free voice control and access to various in-phone apps. The touchscreen is also the display for the rear-view camera. Parking sensors for the rear are standard in the GLX.
And under the bonnet?
The free-revving 1.2-litre engine with 61kW and 113Nm remains. It's a perfect fit with the Ignis's featherlight kerb weight of only 860kg, and translates to low, low fuel consumption and decent enough performance in the city as well as on the highway. If you like to be an involved driver, we can wholeheartedly suggest the five-speed manual model, but an automated manual transmission is available too, if stirring the gearbox in traffic feels too much like hard work.
Safety features stay the same
As before, both GL and GLX models are fitted with two airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, and side-impact protection beams.
“The new Ignis continues our practice of not making our safety and security features optional, dependent on specification level. This means that you benefit from all of our passive and active safety and security features, even if you opt for the entry-level GL specification level,” says André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing, Suzuki SA.
The similarly-priced VW Cross Up!, Renault Sandero, Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo all have traction control, which we'd like to see in the Ignis with the next round of improvements.
New exterior colour choices
New two-tone colour combinations are available to make your new Ignis even more fashionable. These include Stargaze Blue Pearl Metallic with Black, and Lutecent Orange with Black Metallic.
Did you know?
The Ignis was a 2018 SA Car of the Year finalist, Drive360 Car of the Year, 2018 Urban World Car of the Year runner-up, and Scottish Compact Car of the Year.
The Ignis is sold with a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan and Suzuki’s promotional 5-year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty, which includes roadside assistance.
Suzuki IGNIS Pricing
1.2 GL MT, R 182 900
1.2 GLX MT SLDA, R 204 900
1.2 GLX AMT SLDA, R 221 900
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Looking for a used model? Read our Suzuki Ignis review from 2017 here.
