2017 Suzuki Ignis | new car sales price

Suzuki's diminutive Ignis crossover has touched down in Australia priced from $16,990 drive-away, as a crucial car for the Japanese manufacturer that has the potential to boost sales in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.

Speaking at the launch of the reborn Ignis in Melbourne this week, Suzuki Australia general manager Andrew Moore said that reaching an overall sales figure of 30,000 was "a lot more achievable" with the addition of the Ignis, and that it could even overtake the larger Vitara as the brand's most popular SUV.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Ignis maybe moves ahead of Vitara because Vitara has come down a bit because of stock, so we have to build it back up a bit."

Mr Moore said the Ignis reception is hard to predict due to the fact that the company hasn't had a real contender in the segment for years, however he was confident that it would be a strong seller, with customers drawn to its price, flexible customisation options and unique looks.

Last year Suzuki sold 19,495 new vehicles – up 2.1 per cent on 2015 – with the Vitara making an impression on Australian customers in the form of 5713 sales.

Mr Moore anticipates the Ignis to sell up to 400 units per month, which equates to 4800 sales per year, a commendable performance in the cut-throat compact SUV segment.

The Japanese car-maker will kick off the range with the base-level GL manual at $15,990 before on-roads, while opting for a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) adds an extra $1000. The top-spec CVT-only GLX will set buyers back $18,990 before on-roads or $19,990 drive-away.

Both variants are powered by a 1.2-litre 'Dualjet' four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol unit that develops 66kW/120Nm, a figure that seems meagre before learning the manual variant tips the scales at just 820kg, while the CVT adds an additional 45kg to 865kg – the same weight as a Lotus Elise.

Both variants send power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or CVT with simulated gear steps.

Official fuel use figures stand at 4.7L/100km for the manual with emission levels of 107 grams per km of CO2. Mating the CVT to the engine pushes the figures up to 4.9L/100km and 114g/km respectively.

At 3700mm long, 1660mm wide and 1595mm tall, the Ignis hardly strikes an imposing figure on the road, however it seats five with a 271 litre boot that expands to 1100 litres with the rear seats folded down.

It has a nimble turning circle of 4.7 metres thanks in part to its 2435mm wheelbase and steering lock, allowing for easy city driving.

The interior contains a suite of user technology aimed at a younger market including a 7.0-inch central touchscreen.

Rear seats in the GL fold in a 60/40 fashion, while the GLX has a 50/50 arrangement as well as a sliding function that can maximise either rear legroom or boot space depending on preference. 

MacPherson strut suspension and disc brakes are equipped up front on all variants, with a torsion beam set-up and drum brakes propping up the rear. The GL has 15-inch steel rims and hubcaps with 175/65 tyres, while the GLX gets 16-inch alloys and 175/60 tyres. A space-saver spare is standard on both variants.

Extra features on the GLX include upgrading the halogen lights of the GL to darkness-sensing, self-levelling LED headlights with horseshoe LED daytime running lights and privacy rear window glass.

Customers can choose five different colours to pair with five different mirror cap colours as well as orange, white and blue trims that can be applied to the fog lights, grille, headlight surrounds and alloy wheels.

Some exterior colours also have the option of a black roof to match the gloss-black window surrounds and dark metallic alloy wheels.

The interior can also be customised, with buyers offered a range of coloured trim for the centre console and door handles. All customisable components are dealer-stocked parts so models do not have to be ordered with a particular colour trim and can be swapped at any point.

The interior contains a suite of user technology aimed at a younger market including a 7.0-inch central touchscreen for accessing standard navigation, reverse camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The GLX gains a more upmarket climate control panel with switchgear replacing the GL's air-con buttons, as well as keyless ignition.

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags including curtain bags for all passengers and thorax bags for front row occupants, EBD, ABS and hill-hold assist.

Will the Ignis prove to be Suzuki’s best-selling SUV? Tell us what you think in the comments below.