Suzuki has some great products besides the Jimny. Primarily subcompact territory, there are not a lot of competitors in this class in the US. But when you look at the overall spectrum of vehicles offered here they are expanding in opposite directions while the sweet spot in the middle is covered. On the one side, it’s bigger trucks and SUVs. On the other, it’s subcompacts like this Suzuki Ignis. The Ignis is truly unique even in countries it is available in like Europe. You would want the 2021 Suzuki Ignis if it came to the US.

Suzuki calls it “enhanced hybrid powertrain” for the Ignis

For starters, the Ignis is smaller than it looks. With its short overhangs, it offers a unique look and feel. The other thing is that it offers what it calls an “enhanced hybrid powertrain.” This is a belt-driven starter/generator that gives a bit of extra power when needed. That means starting and accelerating. 

What this small shot of electricity to the 10 Ah lithium-ion battery gives is an extra three hp and 37 lb-ft of torque. Regenerative braking generates electricity. This ISG system is available in all trim levels including the base, which goes for $18,000 in the UK. 

The Ignis gives 43 mpg in four-wheel-drive and 46.5 mpg for the front-wheel-drive

All of this aids a 1.2-liter Dualjet four-cylinder engine that is naturally aspirated. It produces 82 hp and 79 lb-ft of torque. The front-wheel-drive Ignis is backed by a manual transmission. A CVT automatic transmission is optional. Overall the Ignis gives 43 mpg in four-wheel-drive and 46.5 mpg for the front-wheel-drive model. 

Its AllGrip four-wheel-drive system can be added to the top-of-the-line SZ5. This gives you Grip Control which activates on slippery surfaces at low speeds. The Hill Descent Control can be activated by the driver for descending a hill under 15 mph in first- or second-gear. 

For 2021 the Ingis has been upgraded with a revised front end from previous years that includes the bumper. New colors are also part of the 2021 package. Inside a revised gauge cluster and instrument panel distinguish it from previous years. 

What’s new for the 2021 Ignis base model

We’ll list some of what’s new for the 2021 base model: 15-inch wheels, LED headlights, body-color mirrors, electric windows, rear privacy glass, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, and six airbags. Moving up to the SZ-T model you can add a rearview camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, wheel arch extensions, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and sliding rear seats. 

At the top of the food chain is the SZ5. This adds a Dual Camera Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, Weaving Alert, keyless entry and engine stop/start, electric rear windows, fog lamps, satellite navigation, and automatic air conditioning. So there are a lot of safety features that come with this trim package. 

As a city commuter or an inexpensive highway star, the Suzuki Ignis would be a welcome alternative. Sure, you could opt for a Prius or i3 but why when you could be zipping around in an Ingus. Except that we can’t here in the US.