IGNIS

With its puffed up wheel arches and subtle body cladding, the Ignis is a compact hatchback wearing crossover clothing. The name goes back to a Suzuki small car that was a sold in Europe in the early 2000s and although they won’t say it, this is the replacement for the ageing Ritz in India. The Ignis is the third Maruti to join the NEXA line up after the S-Cross and the Baleno.

The styling is undeniably cool, but a bit on the adventurous side. There is a retro touch towards the rear where it slopes down sharply, leaving you to wonder what’s with the ‘Adidas slashes’ on the C-pillar. These are design touches that harks back to old Suzuki SC100 or Whizzkid as it was called, which had air vents for the rear mounted engine. The front has great presence, thanks to a wide grille and big LED equipped projector headlamps with bright DRLs in them. The 15-inch wheels look nice with their squared spokes and glossy black finish. Viewed from the front, there is almost a cool Mini Cooper-Vibe about it; at least before it becomes common place.

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