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      Maruti Suzuki Ignis 1.3 Diesel Automatic Review

      Vikrant Singh

      Vikrant Singh

      Opening

      We have already told you what we think about the Maruti Suzuki Ignis in its petrol avatar. You can read its review HERE. But, the Ignis comes with so many drivetrain and trim options we thought it’d be best to talk about the diesel in greater detail. Welcome then to the review of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis 1.3 Diesel.

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      And since automatics are the current fad, we decided to shower our attention on the AGS or Auto Gear Shift version of the car. Interestingly, the Ignis is the only diesel automatic hatchback in the ‘upto Rs 25 lakh’ range post, which the game shifts to luxury items like Volvos and Mercedes.

      A quick recap before we delve deeper: The Ignis is Maruti’s lowest priced car in the Nexa range. And as things stand today, it is also more expensive than the Swift in an apples-to-apples comparison. Furthermore, its biggest competitor in the market in terms of interest and positioning is the Hyundai Grand i10.

      Appearance Exterior

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      The design is probably the Ignis’ strongest USP. More so, its all-LED headlamps. However, the LEDs are exclusive to the top spec Alpha variant. And, since Maruti only sells the diesel automatic Ignis in the Delta and Zeta versions, automatic variant buyers can’t have it; even as an option. Otherwise, the exteriors are pretty similar. Large 15-inch alloy wheels, flared wheel arches with black cladding and customisation options including contrasting roof wraps and ORVM colours are near identical to the top-of-the-line Alpha. Therefore, the 1.3 diesel automatic Ignis even in Zeta trim still looks cute; still has an eyeball grabbing stance; and is still pretty youthful.

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      Appearance Interior

      The Ignis diesel automatic also loses some of the comfort and convenience features compared to its Alpha trimmed manual counter part. The touchscreen multimedia system with Android Auto gives way to a regular Bluetooth audio system. It’s still a stick-on design that sits centrally on the dashboard between the air vents. But, compared to the tab like screen, this one looks utilitarian instead of cool. There’s also no height adjustment for the driver’s seat and a manual aircon unit replaces the digital climate control system.

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      What remains from the Alpha trim is the multifunctional steering wheel, the detailed driver information system as part of the instrumentation and keyless entry and start. It also gets plenty of storage spaces in and around the central tunnel and in the door pockets, and the glovebox is spacious too. The Ignis diesel automatic continues to get parking aid in the form of rear parking sensors but with no touchscreen inside, reversing camera has been given the boot as well.

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      In terms of space and seating comfort, things remain the same. So, there’s enough head and knee room to seat four passengers, and the seats themselves are cushy but supportive. The boot space at 260 litres remains handy, especially with split and folding rear seats, even though the high loading lip height can be a problem for some.

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      Performance Drive

      There’s a telling difference between the on-road performance of the petrol and diesel versions. The petrol is quiet, refined and linear in its power delivery. The diesel in comparison is noisy and a bit unruly. There’s also that turbo lag this 1.3-litre Fiat designed diesel engine is infamous for. The lag is less obvious in the automatic version compared to the diesel manual, but it is still there. The diesel however makes for easier overtakes once the turbo is spooled up. And it is clearly the more fuel efficient of the two.

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      In AMT or AGS or automatic guise, the diesel Ignis makes for a relaxed commuter till the time you don’t ask much of the throttle pedal. There’s some shift shock, yes, but it isn’t uncomfortable. That is till you start getting hard on the gas. Because once you do, the gearbox likes to tie itself in knots. It’s not sure what gear to pick, especially when downshifting. It invariably picks a gear too low causing excessive head bobbing. The ‘box struggles to make smooth transitions between shifts as well.

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      The petrol comes with an AMT ‘box too. And it is fantastic in comparison to the diesel setup. The shifts are smooth, the throttle response is crisper, and the power delivery is alert and linear from the word go. Add to it the quiet nature of the petrol engine and the sporty note it takes on as the revs rise, and you have a car that’s certainly more in line with an enthusiast’s want.

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      Tech Specs

      Make Maruti Suzuki
      Model Ignis
      Fuel Diesel
      Variant Zeta
      Engine Capacity 1248cc
      Max. Power (bhp@rpm) 75 @ 4000
      Max. torque (Nm@rpm) 190 @ 2000
      Gears  five-speed manual/ AGS
      Length mm 3700
      Width mm 1690
      Height mm 1595
      Wheelbase mm 2435
      Fuel Capacity (in litres) 32
      Tyre size 175/65 R15

      Features

      Features  
      LED projector headlamps No
      fog lamps Yes
      auto air-con No
      Seven-inch Infotainment system in tablet style No
      Rear-view camera No
      15-inch alloys Yes
      Height adjustable seats No
      Push button Stop-Start Yes
      ABS, EBD and dual airbags as standard Yes

      Competition All Specs

      Specifications Maruti Suzuki
      Ignis
      Hyundai
      Grand i10
      Variant Zeta Asta
      Fuel Diesel Diesel
      Engine Capacity 1248cc 1120cc
      Max. Power (bhp) 75 @ 4000 71 @ 4000
      Max. torque (Nm) 190 @ 2000 160 @1500
      Gears  five-speed manual/ AGS five-speed manual
      Length mm 3700 3765
      Width mm 1690 1660
      Height mm 1595 1520
      Wheelbase mm 2435 2425
      Fuel Capacity (in litres) 32 43
      Tyre size 175/65 R15 165/65 R14

      Conclusion

      As we said in the petrol Ignis’ review, this Maruti has all the makings of a successful product. And with the masses moving to automatic transmissions, this diesel offering has a fair chance at success as well. If you are a high mileage user, drive mostly in congested areas and like to take things easy, the 1.3 diesel automatic Ignis should suit you just fine.

      Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Automatic

      Pictures: Kapil Angane

      Maruti Suzuki | Ignis | maruti Suzuki Ignis | Ignis [2017-2019] | Maruti Suzuki Ignis [2017-2019]