The Suzuki Ignis has been around for a while now, with the first iteration of the model appearing in 2016 and then a facelift in 2020, which is no longer available new, but remained on sale until 2025. Although now discontinued, it still makes a strong case for itself in the booming small crossover market. Key rivals include the Kia Picanto X-Line, Fiat Panda Cross, Hyundai i10, Toyota Aygo X and the Dacia Sandero Stepway, all of which offer compact dimensions and crossover-inspired styling in a similar mould to the Suzuki.
The Suzuki Ignis is a charming, no-nonsense city car with genuine crossover credentials. It offers drivers a unique blend of style, practicality, and efficiency, all wrapped in a compact package that’s ideal for urban use. While it doesn’t offer the plushest interior or the most powerful engines, the Ignis’s character, low running costs, and impressive kit list make it a smart choice for those who want something a little different. It’s great value for money, too.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe Suzuki Ignis was great value when brand-new, and that means it’s also affordable as a used car.
All variants are competitively priced, offering strong value considering the generous standard equipment and unique design.
On the used market, 2025 Suzuki Ignis models can be found from around £12,000, with earlier 2020-on facelift examples and higher mileage dipping below £9,000.
If you’re prepared to plump for an older model – and reliability is good, so they’re still a good option – then you can get a decent one with sensible miles for as little as £6,000.
The Suzuki Ignis keeps its engine range simple and efficient.
All models are powered by a 1.2-litre Dualjet four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with Suzuki’s mild hybrid system for added efficiency. This engine produces 83bhp and 107Nm of torque, delivering a 0–62 mph time of 12.7 seconds with the manual gearbox. The mild hybrid set-up provides smoother stop-start performance and a small boost in acceleration, while keeping emissions and fuel consumption low.
Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. For those needing extra traction, Suzuki offered its AllGrip system on the top SZ5 trim, making the Ignis one of the few city cars available with all-wheel-drive.
The Suzuki Ignis delivers a nimble and agile driving experience, making it well-suited to city streets and tight parking spaces. Its light steering and compact dimensions make urban manoeuvres effortless, while the raised driving position offers excellent visibility.
On the open road, the Ignis is composed and comfortable, though performance is modest and the engine can be vocal when pushed. The mild hybrid system operates unobtrusively in the background, contributing to smooth acceleration and the ability to run for very short distances on electric power.
If travelling quickly on poor surfaces, the ride can sometimes feel a little bit choppy, but overall it’s a very civilised drive for such a small car.
Despite its compact size, the Ignis offers a surprisingly comfortable ride, soaking up potholes and rough surfaces admirably for a small car. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, but body roll is well-controlled and the car feels stable at speed.
The AllGrip all-wheel drive variant adds confidence in slippery conditions, making the Ignis a rare option for rural drivers seeking a small car with genuine winter capability. There are no selectable driving modes, reflecting the Ignis’s straightforward approach.
Inside, the Ignis is cleverly packaged to maximise space within its compact footprint. The cabin feels airy and bright, helped by the upright seating and large windows.
The dashboard features a modern seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system on SZ-T and SZ5 trims, offering smartphone connectivity, DAB radio, and navigation.
Materials are robust and easy to clean, though there are plenty of hard plastics throughout.
The switches and controls are logically laid out, and the elevated seating position gives a commanding view of the road. There’s ample space for four adults, although taller passengers may find rear headroom and legroom a bit tight. Isofix mounts are standard on the outer rear seats.
Boot space in the Suzuki Ignis is a modest 260 litres (two-wheel drive models) with the rear seats in place, expanding to 514 litres with the 50:50 split rear seats folded down. AllGrip models lose a little space due to the AWD hardware, dropping to 204 litres.
The boot is square-shaped and the opening is wide, making it easy to load bulky items, but the luggage space is still below average for the class.
Sliding and reclining rear seats on SZ-T and SZ5 trims add flexibility, allowing drivers to prioritise passenger or luggage space as needed. Cabin storage is generous for a city car, with large door bins, a deep glovebox and practical cupholders.
All Ignis models come well equipped, with the entry-level SZ-T trim offering air conditioning, DAB radio, Bluetooth, LED headlights, and a rear-view camera. SZ5 adds climate control, keyless entry, sat nav, and advanced driver assistance features, as well as the option of AllGrip all-wheel drive.
Options are limited, in line with Suzuki’s simple approach, but useful extras like metallic paint, roof rails, and a range of personalisation packs are available to help buyers make their Ignis stand out.
The Suzuki Ignis is available in two main trim levels: SZ-T and SZ5. The SZ-T trim offers a practical and well-equipped specification, featuring LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, and a rear-view camera. This trim also includes a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, reflecting Suzuki’s focus on essential features without unnecessary extras.
The SZ5 trim adds climate control, keyless entry, navigation, and advanced safety features, as well as the option for AllGrip all-wheel drive. This model is further distinguished by roof rails, sliding rear seats, and the choice of eye-catching two-tone paint schemes.
Colour choices include Pure White Pearl, Super Black, Fervent Red, Tough Khaki Pearl, and Neon Blue Metallic, along with several two-tone combinations to help buyers personalise their Ignis and make a statement.
The Suzuki Ignis achieved a three-star rating in Euro NCAP safety tests, reflecting a reasonable level of protection for occupants but a lack of some advanced driver assistance systems found in newer rivals. The car scored 79% for adult occupant protection and 79% for child occupant protection, but fell short on pedestrian safety and safety assist technologies.
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and a rear-view camera. Higher trims add more advanced features, but the Ignis’s safety offering is best described as adequate rather than cutting-edge.
Suzuki enjoys a strong reputation for reliability, with the Ignis praised for its mechanical simplicity and low repair costs. Owners report high levels of satisfaction and very few issues, even at higher mileages, making it a trustworthy choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid returns between 52.3 and 59.4 mpg (WLTP), depending on specification and gearbox, making the Ignis one of the most economical small crossovers on the market. CO₂ emissions range from 110 g/km (manual) to 123 g/km (AllGrip CVT), keeping annual road tax (VED) at £195 per year for all models.
Insurance groups are favourable, starting from group 15, and servicing is recommended every 12 months or 12,500 miles. Suzuki offers a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, with extended cover available for extra peace of mind, so only 2023-on models will still have manufacturer cover.
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