Suzuki Ignis vs Infiniti QX30
What's the difference?

Suzuki Ignis

$10,990 - $20,990

2021 price

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Infiniti QX30

—

2016 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2021 Suzuki Ignis

2016 Infiniti QX30

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Tim Robson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.2L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.9L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Striking design
Superb agility
Ease of operation

Attractive, unusual crossover
Rides and handles well
Comfortable interior

Dislikes

No AEB, DAB+ and telescopic steering
Stiff ride, noisy cabin
Poor EuroNCAP crash-test rating

Really? No rear view camera at nearly $50,000?
Not a big back seat

2021 Suzuki Ignis Summary

Welcome to one of the world’s tiniest SUVs, as well as amongst Australia’s cheapest – Suzuki’s diminutive Ignis.

There’s an Aussie connection. Holden designer Peter Hughes styled the original YG Cruze based on the first (FH) Ignis of 2000, with both models sharing most components underneath; but the latter was not well received, prompting Suzuki to change tack for its reborn Swift replacement of 2004. Yet the name and concept were revived 11 years later (without GMH) for the retro-themed high-riding hatch/crossover you see here today.

The point? This quick history lesson serves to remind us how similar both Ignis generations are, as well as how devoted Suzuki is in its pursuit of owning the light SUV space.

In June 2020, a facelifted MF arrived, brandishing a revised grille, bumpers and trim to give it a chunkier appearance, along with minor spec changes.

Here we take a long look at the GLX auto.

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2016 Infiniti QX30 Summary

Tim Robson road tests and reviews the 2016 Infiniti QX30 at its Australian launch with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

There’s no doubt that the compact crossover segment is a vitally important place for any carmaker to be. Nissan’s luxury arm, Infiniti, is no different, and thanks to a decision from its Japanese masters, the diminutive premium brand will go from having no players on the field to having two marquee players in a matter of just a few months.

The architecturally identical front-wheel-drive Q30 launched only a month ago in three variants, and now it’s the turn of the all-wheel-drive QX30 to take to the pitch.

But is there enough of a difference between the two to actually consider them different cars? Is it adding a layer of complexity for the prospective Infiniti customer? As it turns out, the differences run more than skin deep.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Suzuki Ignis 2016 Infiniti QX30

Verdict

With statement styling, inherent agility, excellent efficiency, proven reliability, high equipment levels and low entry pricing, the 2021 Ignis GLX is in danger of becoming a mandatory short-list proposition for people seeking fun and affordable motoring.

But undermining all that is a distinct lack of driver-assist safety tech that can’t be – and shouldn’t be – ignored. At least give buyers the option of paying more for essentials like AEB.

If Suzuki can address this shortfall, the Ignis would join its excellent Swift supermini stablemate in being a very compelling and enjoyable compact urban runabout. We hope this happens sooner rather than later.

Verdict

Even though it’s almost identical to the Q30, the QX30 manages to feel sufficiently different in suspension tune and cabin ambiance to be considered different.

It’s a disappointing oversight, though, by Infiniti to deny the base GT such basic safety fundamentals as a rear view camera (which Infiniti assures us is being worked on).

Suzuki Ignis vs Infiniti QX30 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki Ignis vs Infiniti QX30
What's the difference?