Suzuki Ignis
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a quirky small SUV that stands out from the crowd? The Suzuki Ignis might just be the perfect fit. This compact crossover combines the practicality of a small car with the raised driving position and rugged looks of an SUV. It’s designed for drivers who want something different, offering unique styling and surprising versatility in a package that’s easy to park and affordable to run.

The Ignis sits in a class of its own, blending the best bits of a city car with SUV character. While rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Hyundai i20 focus on traditional hatchback appeal, the Ignis offers something more adventurous. Its boxy, upright design maximises interior space while the optional AllGrip four wheel drive system gives it genuine off road capability that most small cars simply can’t match.

What makes the Ignis special is how it maximises every inch of space. Despite being just over 3.7 metres long, it feels surprisingly roomy inside with clever packaging that puts practicality first. The mild hybrid system helps keep running costs low while the characterful styling ensures you’ll never lose it in a car park. It’s a car that proves small doesn’t have to mean boring, offering genuine personality in an increasingly sensible world.

What's the Suzuki Ignis Like to Drive?

The Suzuki Ignis keeps things simple with a single 1.2 litre petrol engine producing 83 horsepower. This naturally aspirated unit is paired with Suzuki’s mild hybrid system, which uses a small electric motor to assist during acceleration. The combination delivers adequate performance for city driving, with the 0 to 60 mph sprint taking around 11.5 seconds. While not rapid, it feels nippy enough in urban environments where most Ignis owners will spend their time.

Where the Ignis truly shines is in its versatility and character. The high driving position gives excellent visibility, making it confidence inspiring in traffic. The light steering and compact dimensions make parking effortless, while the optional AllGrip four wheel drive system sets it apart from conventional small hatchbacks. The ride can feel bouncy over larger bumps due to the short wheelbase, but it’s generally comfortable for shorter journeys. The manual gearbox is light and precise, though a CVT automatic is available for those who prefer effortless driving.

Inside the Suzuki Ignis: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Ignis and you’re greeted by a surprisingly spacious cabin that feels much bigger than the exterior dimensions suggest. The upright seating position and tall roofline create an airy, open atmosphere that many larger cars would envy. The dashboard design is simple and functional, with large, clearly marked controls that are easy to use on the move. The standard touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected without unnecessary complexity.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive with plenty of adjustment to find your ideal position. The real party trick is the rear bench seat, which slides forward and back to prioritise either legroom or boot space depending on your needs. This clever feature transforms the Ignis from a cramped city car into a surprisingly practical family transport. Build quality is solid if not luxurious, with hard wearing materials throughout. Wind and road noise are well controlled at city speeds, though the engine can sound a bit strained on faster roads.

The Suzuki Ignis succeeds by being refreshingly different in a world of increasingly similar small cars. Its combination of SUV styling, compact dimensions, and clever interior packaging creates something genuinely unique in the marketplace. The mild hybrid system delivers excellent fuel economy while the optional four wheel drive capability adds genuine versatility that sets it apart from conventional superminis.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Suzuki Ignis Expensive to Run?

The Ignis is genuinely impressive when it comes to running costs, making it an excellent choice for budget conscious drivers. The mild hybrid system helps deliver official fuel economy of up to 57 mpg, with real world figures typically in the low to mid 50s. This translates to genuinely low fuel bills, especially important given current petrol prices. Insurance groups are reasonable too, ranging from groups 10 to 15 depending on the specification you choose.

Purchase prices start from around £15,000 for a basic SZ3 model, making it competitive with conventional superminis but with added SUV practicality. Higher specification models remain well priced, and Suzuki’s reputation for reliability means fewer unexpected repair bills. The mild hybrid technology is simple and proven, reducing the likelihood of expensive electrical problems. With car finance options available, the Ignis represents excellent value for drivers wanting something different without breaking the bank.

Suzuki Ignis Practicality & Boot Space

For such a compact car, the Ignis delivers impressive practicality thanks to its clever packaging and thoughtful design. The 267 litre boot might sound modest on paper, but the square shape and low loading lip make it surprisingly useful for everyday shopping or small luggage loads. The real genius lies in the sliding rear bench seat, which can be moved forward to expand boot space or backward to maximise rear passenger room as needed.

The high roofline and upright seating position make getting in and out easy, particularly beneficial for older drivers or those with mobility concerns. Front passenger space is generous with good headroom and legroom, while the rear can accommodate two adults for shorter journeys or children more comfortably. Storage throughout the cabin is adequate with door pockets, cup holders, and a reasonable glove compartment. For families looking at used Suzuki cars, the Ignis offers genuine versatility that conventional small cars struggle to match in such a compact footprint.

The Suzuki Ignis proves that small cars don’t have to be boring or predictable. Its unique blend of compact city car dimensions, SUV styling, and clever interior packaging creates something genuinely different in the crowded small car market. The mild hybrid system delivers excellent fuel economy while the optional AllGrip four wheel drive system provides genuine capability that conventional superminis simply can’t match.

You choose the Ignis because you want character, practicality, and efficiency without following the crowd. Its quirky styling, sliding rear seats, and raised driving position make it perfect for urban adventures and weekend escapes alike. While it may not be the most refined small car available, it offers a unique combination of features that make every journey more interesting. For drivers seeking something different, the Ignis delivers personality and practicality in equal measure, especially attractive among cars under £10,000 on the used market.