Suzuki is well established globally for its expertise in developing outstanding small cars and the Ignis compact crossover, which was launched in the UK in early 2017, is further proof.

Now this month, the Ignis has undergone a facelift with some striking styling upgrades for a more rugged ultra-compact SUV appearance along with an enhanced Hybrid powertrain.

While retaining the iconic design characteristics of the current model, the new Ignis further reinforces its unique position as the only ultra-compact SUV on the market. It has a new front grille and bumpers, refined interior and exterior colours, and an efficiency-enhanced engine with expanded hybrid system capacity.

Since first launching in Europe in 2016, the Ignis was chosen as a top three finalist in the 2017 World Urban Car awards and has continued to gain popularity. The facelifted Ignis further builds on that iconic styling in a compact and functional package, increasing its appeal as a playful yet practical proposition in the market.

Ingrained with Suzuki’s design heritage, the car features a slit-like C-pillar inherited from the first generation Cervo (SC100), blacked out A- and B- pillar, bumper garnish and clamshell bonnet.

The facelift model retains these iconic features, while adding a new Suzuki SUV-style 5-spoke front grille along with front and rear bumpers featuring trapezoid shape silver under garnishes, amplifying the overall SUV character and unique style.

Complementing the characteristic styling of the exterior, the interior of the Ignis was designed with futuristic urban styling and sweeping horizontal lines that convey breadth and a feeling of space.

The instrument panel, featuring a newly designed meter cluster, has been updated with a contrast of black and white that is simple in composition but leaves a bold impression.

New interior accent colours – Lazuli Medium Blue Pearl and Medium Grey Metallic, as well as a newly designed instrument panel, improve the stylish urban taste of the interior.

The Ignis is available in 13 colours of which seven are single-tone and six are two-tone colours and includes three new shades – Caravan Ivory Pearl Metallic, Rush Yellow Metallic and Tough Khaki Pearl Metallic.

Standard equipment for all Ignis models in the range is comprehensive and the SZ3 model includes six airbags, air conditioning, DAB radio with Bluetooth, 15-inch wheels, LED headlights, body coloured door mirrors, front electric windows, rear privacy glass and five seat capacity.

SZ-T adds a rear-view camera, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, wheel arch extensions and four seat capacity with individually sliding rear seats and Smartphone Link Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

SZ5 models gain auto air conditioning, satellite navigation, Dual Camera Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, Weaving Alert, keyless entry and start, rear electric windows and front foglamps.

The latest Ignis is included in the current attractive PCP and PCH Finance offers available until the end of September. Taking the SZ-T Hybrid model at £15,499 as an example with a PCP agreement over 49 months and an 8,000 miles per annum limit, payments are £159 per month with £2,060 deposit and an optional final payment of £5,807 to keep the car. The finance deposit can also be zero or a higher amount with monthly payments adjusted accordingly.

The updated K12D 1.2-litre engine powering the new Ignis features a new dual injection system and offers both powerful response and high fuel efficiency. This high-level balance is made possible through advances that include an electric intake VVT (variable valve timing), a variable displacement oil pump and electric piston cooling jets. Maximum power output is 83PS with a torque figure of 107Nm at just 2,800rpm.

Fuel efficiency is further enhanced when paired with the self-charging hybrid system powered by a new lithium-ion battery with capacity upgraded from 3Ah to 10Ah to improve energy recovery efficiency.

Available as standard equipment for all Ignis models, the upgraded 12V Hybrid system is a compact and lightweight unit that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) which acts as both a generator and starter motor, the ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking. The ISG unit has a power output of 2.3kW with a torque figure of 50Nm and the components of the system add just 6.2kg to the overall weight of the car.

For the Ignis with 2WD manual transmission the Hybrid system helps Suzuki reach a CO₂ emissions figure of just 114g/km (WLTP regulation) plus achieve a fuel consumption figure of 55.7mpg (WLTP) on the combined cycle.

Suzuki’s CVT powertrain is available as an option on the facelifted Ignis SZ-T and SZ5 models with 2WD, and is combined with the 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid powertrain.

The Ignis adopts Suzuki’s ALLGRIP ‘AUTO’ four-wheel drive system which is available optionally on the SZ5 model with manual transmission. First introduced in Swift, this is a well proven and simple fully automatic and permanent four-wheel drive layout which transfers additional torque to the rear wheels when required via a viscous coupling. It is also an ideal choice for customers living in rural areas who may need additional mobility across rougher terrain or for crossing slippery surfaces during winter months without owning a more conventional SUV sized vehicle.

With lightweight components and available in combination with the 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid powertrain, Ignis ALLGRIP Auto models have impressive fuel economy of 51.9 mpg and low CO2 emissions of just 123 g/km (both WLTP combined).