Maruti Suzuki Ignis sporting black alloys spotted on test

A new test mule of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, which appears to be the top-end version, was spied on test recently. The carmaker plans to launch this car next year.

The test vehicle featured a completely wrapped body and it appears that it also gets roof rails. Any which way we have enough information about the car as the Ignis had made its Indian debut at the Auto Expo 2016. It previewed a sub four-metre crossover with SUVish traits like a high ground clearance of 180mm, SUV like design, flared wheel arches, plastic cladding, high shoulder line etc. The Indian model will be based on the one sold in Japan except for some changes like chrome embellishments to suit an Indian buyer's taste.

The Maruti Ignis measures 3,700mm in length, 1,660mm in width, 1,595mm in height and has a long wheelbase of 2,435mm. The latter should help in liberating sufficient space inside the cabin. The interior features a dual tone dashboard with a freestanding SmartPlay display, a different design for the steering wheel and unique HVAC controls.

The India-spec Maruti Ignis is likely to come powered by the 1.2-litre K12B petrol engine with VVT or a 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine. The latter could also benefit from Maruti Suzuki's SHVS mild hybrid technology. We can expect a five-speed manual to be standard on all variants, with the option of an AMT (AGS) gearbox for the petrol trim as well.

This upcoming car was confirmed to go on sale in the Indian market before the end of this year, with speculative reports suggesting an October launch. However, Maruti Suzuki is currently focusing on reducing the waiting period of the Baleno and Brezza. So they have pushed the launch to next year instead of the upcoming festive season. This sub four-metre crossover will go up against the Mahindra KUV100 when it goes on sale in India. We can expect the carmaker to price the car from Rs 4.5-7 lakh when launched.