Maruti Suzuki is finally offering the automatic option for the top-spec variant of the Ignis hatchback. Although the Ignis was already being offered with an AMT automatic transmission, the option was restricted to the mid-variants only. But now, it has been extended to the top-spec Alpha trim at a price tag of Rs 7.01 lakhs for the petrol engine while the diesel Alpha AMT is priced at Rs 8.08 lakhs (both prices ex-showroom Delhi).
The AMT automatic transmission is called the Auto Gear Shift (AGS) by Maruti Suzuki. In the Ignis, the AMT comes mated to the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine that produces 82bhp and 113Nm. The oil burner, on the other hand, has a 1.3-litre DDiS motor that puts out 75bhp and 190Nm.
The top-spec Alpha trim is sheer feature fest with start-stop push button system, keyless entry, four speakers, parking sensors for the rear, defogger at the rear along with a wiper and 15-inch alloys. It also comes with projector headlamps, LED DRLs, puddle lamp, auto climate-control and height adjustable driver seat. The Alpha spec also offers reverse parking camera, climate control and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The automatic transmission in the top-spec was the only thing missing in the Ignis portfolio until now. The millennial hatchback goes up against the likes of Hyundai Grand i10, Honda Brio, Mahindra KUV100 and the Tata Bolt in India.
Commenting on the introduction of Ignis Alpha AMT, R S Kalsi, senior executive director, marketing and sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Our premium urban compact vehicle, the Ignis, has been created for millennials, a one of a kind brand in the Indian market. Automatic Gear Shift (AGS) on the Ignis, so far offered in the Delta and Zeta trims, has been widely appreciated by customers and accounts for 27 percent of Ignis sales. We are now offering AGS in the top Alpha trim as well. We expect this to strengthen brand Ignis and enhance the popularity of AGS amongst millennials.”
The carmaker recently introduced the Baleno premium hatch back with the CVT transmission in the top-spec Alpha trim. The Ignis becomes the second vehicle from Maruti after Dzire to be offered in with automatic transmission in both petrol and diesel engine. The AMT variant of the Ignis Alpha trim comes at an added premium of Rs 54,000 compared to the equivalent manual trim.