Maruti Ignis 3 Pros And 3 Cons - Still Worthy Of Your Purchase?

If you search for 'Maruti Suzuki Ignis pros and cons' on the web, you'll find hundreds of pages detailing everything a potential buyer needs to know about the Maruti Ignis. However, most of these reviews were posted before its main rival, the Tata Punch, entered the scene and dominated the micro SUV segment. Compared to the Punch, the Ignis falls short in several areas but also has some significant advantages. With that in mind, I'm going to share its pros and cons in an easy-to-understand manner.

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Maruti Ignis Pros

Spacious Interior

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is 3700 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2435 mm. On paper, it doesn't sound like a tiny vehicle, but inside, the Ignis feels airy. It offers a good amount of space in terms of legroom, shoulder space, and headroom. The second row is also adequate for tall passengers, with seats that provide good under-thigh support. The boot space is 260 liters, ample enough to hold three to four bags.

Competitor Check: The Tata Punch is far ahead in terms of dimensions compared to the Ignis. The back seat experience is much better, and in higher variants, an armrest and adjustable headrest are also provided. Additionally, the boot space is 366 liters. Moving on to the Renault Kiger, which is the longest car of the three, it offers overall fantastic space.

Poweful Engine

Unlike its competitors, the Ignis comes with just one powertrain option, a 1.2 L K-series petrol engine, but it is a solid performer. It provides excellent performance, has good low-end torque, and achieves an average of 20.89 kmpl. This engine has been tested for decades and has never disappointed. Apart from its power, it is a highly reliable engine.

Talking about its specifications, it produces 82 PS and 113 Nm of torque, with the option of a 5MT or AMT gearbox.

Competitor Check: The Tata Punch's 1.2 L petrol engine is not as good as the Ignis's engine because it is a 3-cylinder and feels lethargic. In terms of mileage, it achieves 20.09 kmpl with a manual transmission and 18.8 kmpl with an automatic transmission, as tested by ARAI.

SUV like Ride Height In Compact Car

Maruti calls it the urban SUV, which is just another term for a compact SUV. However, in reality, it doesn't feel like a big vehicle at all. That said, the ground clearance is 180 mm, and the driver sits in a high position. Although the bonnet is still not visible, the overall visibility in the Ignis is fantastic. This is a huge positive point because the vehicle is small in size.

Competitor Check: Talking about the Tata Punch, it has a ground clearance of 187 mm, and from the drivers seat, the bonnet is completely visible, making it feel like a genuine SUV. Additionally, the Punch is 20 mm taller, providing a better ambiance inside. Another competitor, the Renault Kiger, has a ground clearance of 205 mm with a proper SUV-like stance, even better than the Punch.

Maruti Ignis Cons

Unsafe Body

In the G NCAP safety rating, the Maruti Ignis received a poor 1-star rating, making it one of the least safe cars on Indian roads. The G NCAP representatives also called it unstable and criticized Maruti for using cheap metals to create a car for families. Additionally, it comes with just 2 airbags, whereas most of its competitors offer the option of 6 airbags.

Competitor Check: The Tata Punch, like every modern Tata car, comes with a 5-star GNCAP rating, making it a highly desirable vehicle. Additionally, the iCNG model offers 6 airbags. On the other hand, the Renault Kiger boasts a 4-star safety rating from GNCAP and offers 4 airbags.

Lack Features

There isn't much to talk about in terms of features when it comes to the Maruti Ignis. Once you sit inside, the overall design feels like it's from the 2000s. The infotainment screen feels aftermarket and doesn't come with popular features like a sunroof, digital driver's information display, wireless charger, or cooled glove box. Additionally, you won't find rear AC vents, which are available in cars priced lower than the Ignis.

Competitor Check: The Tata Punch is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, rain-sensing wipers, a half-digital and half-analog driver's display, a voice-assisted sunroof, dual-tone colors, cornering lamps, and 90-degree opening doors. Currently, Tata's and India's highest-selling car is the Tata Punch. All the high-tech features, in addition to the safety factor, make it highly desirable.

Polarizing Design

One of the primary reasons for the Maruti Ignis's low sales is its design, which is borderline polarizing, especially from the rear. People often make unpleasant faces when they spot an Ignis and outright reject the car. It is quite evident that those who dislike the appearance of the car wont consider it further. However, there is another group of people who love its unique style and appreciate the automaker's effort to create something radical.

Competitor Check:

The Tata Punch is one of the best-looking modern cars, which is a key reason why it sells so well. From every angle, it feels like an SUV. DRLs on the bonnet, headlights on the bumper, dual-tone colors, and R16 alloys give it a handsome appearance.

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