Suzuki Ignis vs Omoda 9

What's the difference?

VS
Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki Ignis

$13,990 - $20,990

2021 price

Omoda 9
Omoda 9

2026 price

Summary

2021 Suzuki Ignis
2026 Omoda 9
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 1.2L

Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

-
Fuel Efficiency
4.9L/100km (combined)

-
Seating
4

0
Dislikes
  • No AEB, DAB+ and telescopic steering
  • Stiff ride, noisy cabin
  • Poor EuroNCAP crash-test rating

  • High price for new brand
  • Derivative looks
  • Ride and handling need refinement
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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2026 Omoda 9 Summary

Does Australia need yet another new car brand?

It’s the question I keep asking myself seemingly every other week as a new brand announces its intention to join the other 70 odd marques already competing for a slice of the Australia new-car market.

Chery made a successful re-entry into the Australian market in 2023, quickly establishing itself as a value-led brand. Earlier this year it launched Jaecoo, its more premium, adventure-focused offering and announced it would be spun-off into separate showrooms alongside the new Omoda brand.

The first Omoda-badged vehicle has now arrived, the Omoda 9 Virtue SHS (Super Hybrid System), which will join the almost-as-new Jaecoo J7 and J8 in the growing number of dealers around Australia.

So, does Australia need Omoda? Does the Omoda 9 Virtue SHS make a compelling case, in the same way the sharply-priced Chery models have? 

Read on for our verdict.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Suzuki Ignis 2026 Omoda 9

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