Maruti Ignis crossover to launch in India around Diwali

If rumours are to be believed, Maruti Suzuki might launch the Ignis this Diwali. There has been news and buzz around the compact crossover since the beginning of the year but it seems that the company is finally ready for the launch. The festive season will be a good opportunity for the company to gain some benefits. If the launch does happen during the mentioned time-frame, then India will be the second market after Japan to receive the vehicle. The Ignis will be the first crossover from Maruti Suzuki and will join the recently launched Vitara Brezza and Baleno, both of which have received a good consumer feedback. The car is expected to feature a 1.0 litre Boosterjet petrol engine capable of 110 hp with a 5-speed manual transmission. There is also a diesel variant which will be powered by Maruti’s popular 1.3 L DDiS engine along with the option of an automated manual transmission (AMT). No confirmation about the arrival of the diesel variant though. Exterior features include LED based daytime running lamps (DRLs), high ground-clearance, flared wheel arches and a wide C-pillar. Considering the size and engine capacity, the Ignis would give competition to the Mahindra KUV 100. While the Ignis measures 3,679 mm in length, it is 25 mm longer than the Mahindra KUV 100 but is less wider. It is also higher than the KUV 100 at 180 mm of ground clearance. The Ignis will probably sell through Maruti Suzuki’s premium retail chain, Nexa and should priced around Rs 5 lakh going up to Rs 7 lakh for the top-end variant.