Maruti Suzuki Ignis launched in India at Rs 4.59 lakh; aimed at younger audiences

After a number of leaks, reveals at international auto shows and then some teasers, Maruti Suzuki India have finally launched their Ignis compact crossover in India. Keeping younger customers in mind, the price tags start pretty low with 6 petrol models priced between Rs 4.59 lakh to Rs 6.69 lakh and the five diesel models selling for a much higher Rs 6.39 and Rs 7.80 lakh. The compact crossover is currently available in Japan, and made its European debut at the recent 2016 Paris Motor Show.Indeed such a move by Maruti Suzuki is bound to spark a price war with competitors. Moreover, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis will be sold at at Maruti's premium Nexa showrooms, making it the third vehicle to step into the spotlights after its premium hatchback the Baleno and its premium crossover, the S-Cross.Maruti Suzuki refers to the Ignis as its premium urban compact. This premium compact will most certainly appeal to the youth (millenials) with its modern and sporty design, both on the inside and the outside.The compact crossover will be the third crossover in the Maruti Suzuki lineup that comes after the S-Cross and the Vitara Brezza. However the new Ignis is expected to replace the old Ritz. As you may have noticed, Maruti Suzuki will be selling the Ignis across India via its Nexa dealerships. The Ignis would be the third product sold under the Nexa brand after the Baleno and the S-Cross.The Maruti Suzuki Ignis comfortably seats 4 occupants which would include the driver. The crossover showcases a fresh new design with chrome inserts in the front facade and a black insert for the bumper in the rear. The moderns twist comes from the squared headlamps that also pack in LED DRLs which form the outline, giving it a distinct look.A petrol variant that packs in a 1.2-litre engine that delivers 83bhp and 115Nm of torque. The diesel variant features a 1.3-litre motor capable of producing 74bhp and 190Nm of peak torque. While the standard is a 5-speed transmission, there is also an AMT version with the Delta and Zeta diesel and petrol trims.It managed to score a 3-star rating for the standard equipment trim and a full 5-stars when equipped with the optional safety pack.  The Maruti Suzuki Ignis was first showcased at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show after which customers in India got their first glipmse of the vehicle at 2016 Auto Expo.