Out of the 15 new Maruti Suzuki models planned for India over the next 5 years, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno has already been launched in the country. Next in the queue will be the Vitara compact SUV and the Ignis mini crossover, scheduled for launch in the first half of 2015. In fact, the company has already announced to bring in both of these vehicles to the upcoming 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. Production-ready version of both the cars are currently being showcased at the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show. Though the mini crossover looks largely similar to the concept, its styling has been toned down a bit.
While we have already reported about the Vitara earlier (read here), we’ll talk about the Ignis in this article. First unveiled as the iM-4 concept at the Geneva Motor Show, the Ignis will be launched in several markets including India. But there is no clarity if it will carry the same nameplate in India or not.
The Maruti Suzuki Ignis will be built on the same platform that underpins the Baleno. The India-bound model might also share its engine and transmission options with the premium hatchback. For international markets, however, it will be offered with two petrol engine options – a 1.2-litre ‘Dualjet’ with SHVS micro-hybrid system, and a 1.0-litre, turbocharged 3-cylinder Boosterjet.
Unlike international markets, the India-bound model may not come with the company’s All-Grip AWD (all-wheel drive) system. The Indian market might just get the FWD (front-wheel drive) layout.