Suzuki Ignis Hybrid Review - Seriously Cheap, Impressively Good

If you’d believe it, this is a 1.2L hybrid, it kind of fits the “mild hybrid” name to the extreme, because this isn’t a hybrid system like you’d find in the Renault E-Tech systems where you have multiple motors, or you have full dedicated motors. Instead what you have is essentially an enlarged starter motor that is permanently connected to the engine. Where it’s a 12V architecture, and what that means is there is the standard lead acid battery under the hood, then there is a slightly smaller lithium cell under the passenger seat, which I think is 36WHr… Which is less than most laptops!

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[doctoras]

I'm the owner of IGNIS 1.2 Hybrid Allgrip, since last July. My former car was a family car for 20 years, that loved very much for many reasons. It was the Citroen Picasso 1.8, 2003 model. Now that my family is my wife and I (my girls have been married and gone), we decided to change our car to something smaller and economic in fuel consumption for the city, but also with the ability with some off road skills for some short escapes. This summer holiday was enjoyable for many reasons and one of these was this car. We covered about 1.800 Kms around the country, easily, and without spending much for oil. Using in national roads the cruise control mode, NOT running over 120 Kms/h (I never drive faster, my cars or my moto), it needed 4.5l/h as an average consumption!!! Whenever I needed to pass another car, I felt and made to do it without any difficulty, using the easy gearbox. Of course, I do know that it isn't a 1.8l, but a 1.2l vehicle and I behaved accordingly. I went for a while in an off road terrain, NOT too difficult indeed and it was great. Definitely isn't as comfortable as a Picasso, but running a nonstop distance of 530 Kms, we didn't feel so tired. In general, I was in love with my Picasso, and now I'm in love with it. I'm waiting for the winter to come and test it in more difficult conditions (mud, snow). Thank you all.

[davidwooldridge]

Bought this model 8 months ago it does what it says on the the can, fun to drive and the fuel economy is fantastic 57 mpg, I've never had that in any of my car's and I've had a lot of car's over the years that have surposed to have been good on fuel . It goes like a rocket, economical and a joy to drive and to be honest that's all I need.

[mikeriley]

Had one for four years. Completely reliable. Very roomy inside with fantastic mpg. If you want a small reliable vehicle, look no further.

[seizedkeyboard]

My brother has one of these. He got the non-hybrid base model. I've always gone for larger engines, but honestly I was really surprised at how nippy this car is - the light weight, small wheels and short gear ratios make the car feel faster than the power numbers suggest. Its a bit 'busy' on the motorway. It does 60 mpg, which is pretty amazing for a non-hybrid - but narrow tyres, lightweight and simplicity has worked. I am waiting for them to be a bit cheaper as used models become more available.

[juliasomerville]

This is just what I want, infact I have it on order. I'm currently in my 7th month of waiting!!!

[davidwooldridge]

This car is fun to drive and economical to, l've drivers all types of vehicles over the years and this car is the only car that does what it says in the book,

[davewalker]

I've had a 4wd version for 18 months, still very pleased. MPG averages over 60 all the time. The hybrid is nonsense, just ignore it, I've never felt any effect or benefit. The 4wd on the other hand (with hill descent) works well and I've taken this car places I would not feel comfortable in other cars and its been very happy. You should also mention the full LED lighting - its very good. It also has collision detection and lane wander detection, which is basically a PITA, try a dog leg turn and its convinced your about to hit a pole. Overall no regrets or have I seen a similar priced car I'd prefer.

[davidodonnell]

I've had 2, a 2016 when it 1st came out and then a 2019.I will be getting shot of my Corsa e EV and going to the iginis

[oddities-whatnot]

If I got one of these id get the allgrip version, but personally, and although a lot more expensive, for a non turbo AWD car id go for the Subaru XV e-boxer for the refinement and more relaxing cruising on motorways. CVT works very well for that. Also cuts the engine at speeds below 25mph. Useful in traffic and round town.

[MrSunnyBhoy]

It is a quirky car and I always thought it was a bit puni but your good review was interesting and showed the car is not bad. Good mod cons

[standurham]

I’m close to swapping my Alto for an Ignis but undecided between mild and non hybrid. As car salespeople are unreservedly biased just to make a sale, I’m open to opinions on either model.

[lindahoskins]

I recently bought the basic Ignis reg 20. Its onlyme so inside etc suits my needs. Ive driven motorway and its been nippy responsive although had van drivers trying to intimidate! Does 60 as if 40, quiet and easily. Just had snow and oh dear, it was scary. The front wheel drive would have the car swerving at the back. That was scary. Im not feeling safe in this car in icy conditions. Its lightness had me telling it to please keep your four wheels on the road….in the high storm winds. It has been a fight to keep the car straight in high winds, awash with spray from speeding overtaking vehicles and lorries and driving in icy road conditions had a few terrifying moments. Im a woman driving alone. I need to feel I have a car that gives me that sense of safety but so far, Im regretting my decision to buy. Ive had twoGrand Vitaras and a Toyota Verso, in the past, . They gave the sense of safety in all weather conditions……but I think this car, with all its economic and easy drive features, may not meet my driving needs. The 4x 4may be better. I would like to hear others experience with that.

[metalmicky]

Can you switch the start stop function off permanently or does it need to be reset on every drive ?

[fredhicks]

Warning: the hybrid system does not work if it is cool outside. Anything around 7-8C and below and it doesn't work. I like the car when the hybrid system works, without and not that great of mileage.

[neillewis]

If I lived in the lake district, this would be my car. Wish I lived in the lake district....⛰🧗‍♂️🏞