Maruti Suzuki Ignis Variants Explained

Update: Maruti Suzuki has launched the Ignis Alpha petrol AMT at Rs 7.01 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and Alpha diesel AMT at Rs 8.08 lakh.

Ever since it was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, Maruti Suzuki’s funky looking compact crossover, the Ignis, has been among the most anticipated cars for the Indian market. Now, when it is confirmed that the Ignis will be launched in the country on January 13, the variant-wise feature distribution of the hatchback has been revealed. When launched, the Maruti Ignis will not only rival the Mahindra KUV100 but the Hyundai Grand i10 as well. Expect the Ignis to be launched at a starting price of around Rs 4.5 lakh. Let's have a closer look at the details and variants of the Ignis. 

Like the other two offerings from Nexa showrooms, the Ignis will also have four variants – Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Alpha. The base Sigma variant is only available with a petrol/manual combination, whereas all the others can be had with a diesel engine as well. AMT transmission is available with the two middle variants – Delta and Zeta. Let's dig deeper into each of these variants and see what they have on offer. 

Engine Available – 1.2-litre Petrol

Transmissions Available – 5-speed Manual

The Sigma variant is only available with a petrol engine. In it, you get just the basics, like a manual AC, cup holders, bottle holders, single-tone dashboard, front power windows (with auto down for driver window), ISOFIX Child Seat Mount, and body-coloured door handles. You don't even get a music system and not to mention the absence of speakers. The wheels are 15-inch steel units without wheel caps. In terms of exterior colours, the Sigma variant will be available with three options – Pearl Artic White, Silky Silver and Glistening Grey. 

Engines Available – 1.2-litre Petrol/1.3-litre Diesel

Transmissions Available – 5-speed Manual/AMT

The Delta variant is the second trim on offer in the Ignis line-up and can be had with a diesel engine as well. Also, AMT transmission is present as an option with both the engines. When it comes to the exterior colours, the Delta variant can be had with all the three shades of the Sigma, plus the Uptown Red, Tinsel Blue and Urban Blue shades. Adding to the features in the Sigma variant, the Delta gets the following:

• Wheel caps for the 15-inch steel wheels
• Black B-pillar
• Dual-tone dashboard
• Two-din audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity
• Two speakers
• Turn signals on ORVMs
• Co-driver–side vanity mirror
• Security alarm system
• Chrome accents on AC controls
• Rear power windows
• Steering-mounted audio controls
• Electrically adjustable ORVMs
• Rear adjustable headrests + 60:40 split

Engines Available – 1.2-litre Petrol/1.3-litre Diesel

Transmissions Available – 5-speed Manual/AMT

The Zeta variant has all the bells and whistles essential to make your journey comfortable. In addition to the interior feature upgrades, the car also gets options of three two-tone paint schemes – Uptown Red with a Midnight Black roof, Tinsel Blue with a Midnight Black roof and Tinsel Blue with a Pearl Artic White roof. The features added in the Zeta variant over the Delta are as follows: 

• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Keyless entry
• Push-button start/stop
• Four speakers
• Chrome accents on front grille and fog lamp housing
• Rear parking sensors
• Fog lamps
• Fender arch moulding
• Rear defogger + wiper
• Side sill moulding

Update: Maruti Suzuki has launched the Ignis Alpha variants with 5-speed AMT. Except the petrol Sigma, all variants of the Ignis now come with the option of an automatic.

Engines Available – 1.2-litre Petrol/1.3-litre Diesel

Transmissions Available – 5-speed Manual

The top of the range Ignis – or the Alpha variant – can only be had with a manual transmission. Apart from Glistening Grey, Uptown Red and Tinsel Blue, the Alpha is available in all the colours available in the above variants. The features added in the Alpha variant over the Zeta are as follows:

• LED projector headlamps
• Daytime running lights
• Automatic climate control
• Seven-inch Suzuki SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system
• Puddle lamp
• Reverse camera
• Driver-seat height adjuster

The Ignis borrows both its petrol and diesel engines from the Baleno. The 1.3-litre DDiS diesel produces 75PS of power and 190Nm of torque – exactly the same as the Baleno. But the 1.2-litre VVT petrol engine makes 83PS of power and 113Nm of torque, which is 1PS/2Nm less than the Baleno. Both these engines come with an option of either a five-speed manual or an AMT automatic transmission. The fuel economy figures are also different from the elder hatchback’s. The Ignis’ claimed fuel economy figures are 26.8kmpl for the diesel and 20.9kmpl for the petrol. The Baleno, despite being larger and heavier than the Ignis, is slightly more efficient on paper with claimed figures of 27.4kmpl for the diesel and 21.4kmpl for the petrol engine. In terms of dimensions, the Ignis measures 3,700mm x 1,690mm x 1,595mm (length x width x height) and has a ground clearance of 180mm. As for safety, the hatch comes standard with dual front airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). 

Given that some of the attractive features like the LED headlamps and DRLs, touchscreen infotainment system and a reverse camera are only present in the top variant, buyers won't have a chance to get these features with an automatic transmission. If Maruti would have offered the Alpha variant with an automatic transmission as well, the top-of-the-line Ignis would have turned out to be a complete package.