Volvo XC40 vs Suzuki Ignis
What's the difference?

Volvo XC40

$36,990 - $55,990

2024 price

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Suzuki Ignis

$10,990 - $20,990

2021 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2024 Volvo XC40

2021 Suzuki Ignis

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Inline 4, 1.2L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

485 km

4.9L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

19.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

82.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

Striking design
Superb agility
Ease of operation

Dislikes

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

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

2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to find out.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2024 Volvo XC40 2021 Suzuki Ignis

Verdict

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

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.

Volvo XC40 vs Suzuki Ignis What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo XC40 vs Suzuki Ignis
What's the difference?