Suzuki Ignis Finally Shot to Death in India due to Weak Sales

JAKARTA - Maruti Suzuki Ignis is reported to have stopped production in India after recording less than encouraging sales performance for quite some time. Based on information from the dealer network, the production line for this model has stopped for more than a month, along with the suspension of unit orders.

However, the Ignis is still listed on the manufacturer's official website, while there has been no official statement released regarding the fate of the model. As reported by India Car News, Friday, April 17.

Since its debut in January 2017, Ignis is positioned as a premium urban compact vehicle targeting urban consumers. On its journey, this car has undergone three revisions, including a major facelift in 2020.

However, the design is considered quite controversial, the position of the product is unclear, and the absence of a diesel engine option makes its appeal limited. In addition, the surge in popularity of the compact crossover segment also puts pressure on the demand for Ignis in the market.

In its first year, Ignis distribution reached 14,157 units in 2017. Then in 2018, Suzuki distributed Ignis as many as 13,802 units.

In 2019, its distribution plummeted to only 5,138 units. The decline continued a year later. Throughout 2020, Suzuki Ignis distribution only reached 1,893 units. In 2021, the condition improved a little.

There are 1,932 units of Ignis distributed to Suzuki dealers, and in the last year Ignis sales only recorded hundreds of units.

The Suzuki Ignis carries a 1.2L naturally aspirated gasoline engine. The engine can produce up to 83 hp and 113 Nm of torque.

On the other hand, media reports say Maruti Suzuki is preparing a new model in the form of a micro-SUV with the development code Y43. This model is projected to be the successor to the Ignis and is scheduled to be launched in 2027.

The car is targeted to compete in the segment filled with Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch. Carrying a multi-powertrain strategy, this vehicle has the potential to be offered in several options, ranging from mild hybrid gasoline, CNG/CBG, to electric variants.

For the powertrain sector, the official details have not been revealed. However, the micro-SUV is expected to rely on a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine combined with mild-hybrid technology.

In addition, there is also the possibility of using a three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine of 1.0 liter which has already been used in other models. Speculations that are developing also mention that Maruti Suzuki is preparing a powerful hybrid system developed internally, which is planned to debut along with the Fronx update in 2027.

If realized, this technology has the potential to make the Y43 one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in India, as well as the most affordable SUV model in Maruti Suzuki's product line.

Photo: Suzuki Ignis. (Photo: Suzuki Global)