Maruti Ignis

The Maruti Ignis came out in 2017 as a funky-looking alternative to other basic hatchbacks, and at that time it stood out with its charming design. But, it's 2025 now and the Ignis not only looks the same, but also offers a similar deal which it originally came with. With minimum updates over the years, and no major changes coming anytime soon, does the Maruti Ignis still make sense? Or is it going out of style? Let's find out.

• I like that the Ignis still looks funky and stands out, but it has not seen any significant design update in 8 years.

• It features a 4-slat grille finished in chrome and a chunky silver bumper which makes the Ignis’ face look butch.

• To make it look a little modern, Maruti has used LED projector headlamps, U-shaped LED DRLs, and LED tail lamps.

• From the side, it does justice to the cross-hatch design and this is the one profile that stands out the most.

• The three diagonal lines at the rear fender further are a nice touch.

• It sits on 15-inch all-black alloy wheels which really suit the Nexa Blue shade.

• Lower variants get 15-inch steel wheels with and without covers.

• The back looks boxy where a lot of space has been taken by the bumper and the huge tail lamps.

• Another small design element is the rear spoiler which adds a touch of sportiness to this cross-hatch design.

• Maruti offers it in 7 monotone shades: Turquoise Blue, Lucent Orange, Nexa Blue, Glistening Grey, Silky Silver, Pearl Arctic White, and Pearl Midnight Black.

• Lucent Orange is available with a black roof, and Nexa Blue is offered with both Black and Grey roof options.

Design & Quality

• Ignis features a dual-tone black and beige cabin with subtle blue treatment on the centre console and on the front door grab handles.

• There are also subtle chrome and brushed aluminum elements on the steering wheel, door handles, and around the climate control panel. 

• Maruti has also added carbon-fibre-like inserts around the outboard AC vents, and the climate control panel has an airplane cockpit like design, both of which add a premium feel to this cabin.

• The cabin quality, however, is not up to the mark. The door pads are thin which flex very easily and the dashboard plastics are flimsy. 

• Given its price and segment, the cabin quality should have been better.

Driving Position

• It gets a height adjustable driver seat in the top-spec variant and tilt steering adjustment is standard, so finding your ideal driving position is fairly easy.

• But lower variants do not get seat height adjustment, which makes the process a little time consuming.

• The front seats offer a good amount of space even for taller passengers, but I wish the side support was firmer, which would be better for longer journeys.

• You do sit a little high in the Ignis which offers a commanding driving position, similar to what you’d get in a SUV.

Passenger Comfort

• Ignis’ rear seat is flat with little to no side support. 

• There is a good amount of space for two passengers in the back and due to its tall design, there is ample headroom for 6-footers.

• Fitting three passengers here is a stretch and the middle passenger does not get a headrest.

• I’d say use this as a 4-seater and enjoy the rear central armrest, but Maruti has not offered that here.

Storage Options

• There are small bottle holders in all four doors where the front ones get pockets on the side for smaller items.

• The centre console has two cupholders, there’s a decent sized glovebox, storage on the dashboard and on the front passenger side door armrest, and a tray to keep your phone under the climate control panel.

• Rear passengers get seatback pockets, small slots in the door armrests, and a single bottle holder behind the handbrake which is shared with the front passengers.

Features

• The feature list of the Ignis is pretty basic but you do get everyday use and functional equipment.

• There is a 7-inch touchscreen in the top two variants, but the user interface is outdated and it takes some time to register inputs.

• But, it does support wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which work as intended.

• This system is paired with a 6-speaker sound system which has a decent sound quality.

• There is an MID with a small black and white display, which looks like it has been borrowed from a bike.

• Other features include automatic climate control, push button start/stop, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, and keyless entry.

• Maruti could have added a bigger infotainment system, front and rear armrests, rear AC vents, and cruise control to make this feature list feel more complete.

• The safety kit, just like the feature list, is basic and needs improvements.

• Standard safety features include dual front airbags, ABS and EBD, rear parking sensors, electronic stability program (ESP), and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

• Higher variants get hill hold assist (AMT only), a rear defogger, and a rear wiper.

• The top-spec variant comes with a rearview camera, but the feed is grainy and it does not display a clear feed in low light conditions.

• Ignis’ safety kit can be improved with 6 airbags, a better rearview camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

• In 2022, it was crash tested by Global NCAP, and it only scored a 1-star safety rating.

• With a 260-litre boot capacity, you can fit 3-4 smaller suitcases here, but large suitcases are not easy to fit, and they don’t leave much space.

• The high loading lip makes loading and unloading luggage slightly difficult and it asks you to put in a little more effort.

• Maruti has offered a 60:40 rear seat split in case you need to haul larger items.

• The 2025 Maruti Ignis comes with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine which can be had either with a 5-speed manual or with a 5-speed AMT (automated manual transmission).

• Save for the base variant, all other variants get the option of an AMT.

• Unlike other Maruti models, the Ignis does not get a CNG powertrain.

• The Ignis is lightweight, the engine is peppy, and it is quick to accelerate.

• Since the engine is also very refined, you don’t feel a lot of vibrations while driving.

• Overtakes in the city are effortless, and its small size makes it easy to navigate city traffic.

• Due to it being a lightweight model, it is surprisingly quick on the highways, and getting to triple digits takes no time.

• The driving experience is nowhere exciting, but it’s fun enough to enjoy, and there is enough power for quick highway overtakes.

• The fuel efficiency is great as the Ignis AMT gave us around 13-14 kmpl in the city, and over 20 kmpl on the highway.

• As for the AMT’s experience, it acts as other Maruti AMTs, which means it is great as per AMT standards.

• The gear shifts are noticeable, and there is a slight delay under hard acceleration, but that's an expected trait of an AMT.

• We would recommend it over the manual for drive convenience, especially if your commutes include a lot of regular city drives.

• Ignis’ suspension has been tuned for sporty drives, which means you’ll feel the road more, especially at lower speeds.

• Nonetheless, it does manage to take on smaller potholes and speedbreakers with ease, and prevents a lot of cabin movement.

• Bigger potholes, on the other hand, leave the passenger with noticeable jerks and movement, but the suspensions still work silently.

• Highway drives are comfortable as the Ignis remains planted, but road imperfections are still felt inside the cabin.

• The steering wheel is light enough in the city for quick maneuvers, and it carries some weight on the highways which inspires confidence.

• The 2025 Maruti Ignis comes in four variants: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha.

• All variants except for the base get an AMT powertrain option.

Sigma

• Bare bones base variant with 15-inch steel wheels, halogen headlamps, body coloured door handles, and body coloured ORVMs.

• The cabin gets an all-black theme with dual-tone black and brown fabric upholstery, and brushed aluminium elements on the steering wheel, door grab handles and around the centre console.

• Features include front power windows, tilt adjustable steering wheel, and manual AC.

• Its safety kit has dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and rear parking sensors.

Delta

• This is the entry-level AMT variant.

• Gets wheel covers, roof rails, rear spoiler, and ORVM mounted indicators as part of exterior upgrade.

• The cabin becomes more premium with a dual-tone dashboard, Nexa Blue accents, and subtle chrome and carbon-fibre-like inserts.

• Feature additions include bluetooth connectivity, 2 speakers, steering mounted controls, keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear power windows, and rear adjustable headrests.

• The only major addition in the safety kit is hill hold assist, which is limited to the AMT variant.

Zeta

• This variant gets top-spec styling with 15-inch alloy wheels, chrome inserts on the grille, and front fog lamps.

• No cosmetic changes in the cabin.

• Gets a 7-inch touchscreen, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 6-speakers, push button start/stop, and auto folding ORVMs.

• The safety kit gets a rear defogger and a rear wiper.

Alpha

• No changes to the cabin but the exterior gets LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, and puddle lamps.

• Only feature additions are automatic climate control, rearview camera, and a height adjustable driver seat.

CarDekho Recommends

• If you’re on a budget, we’d recommend the one-above-base Delta variant as it gets all the basic features along with a more premium looking cabin. This variant also offers the option of an AMT powertrain. You can keep some money aside for an aftermarket infotainment system.

• You can go for the Zeta variant as it offers the most value for your money. It gets the styling of the top-spec variant and has a good feature package as well. Compared to the top-spec variant, it only misses out on a few features, and if you can live without them, the Zeta variant will be a good option. 

There is no doubt that the Maruti Ignis has become outdated and is in dire need of a major update. While it still manages to stand out with its funky design, the industry has moved on and it needs a desperate update to keep up with the newer trends.

But as a product, there is still a lot to offer considering its affordable price tag. If someone wants a quirky little car that can seat 4 people and has basic everyday use features, the Ignis still makes sense. However, for most people, a new and a more modern car with more tech and improved safety would be a better option.

Other Options To Consider

Maruti Wagon R

Reasons To Consider

• More affordable

• Better ride comfort

• Option of a CNG and a 1-litre petrol powertrain

• Better safety kit with 6 standard airbags

Reasons To Ignore

• Similar feature package

• Not a stand out looking car

Maruti Swift

Reasons To Consider

• Better feature package

• Looks modern

• More comfortable

• Better safety package

• CNG option available

Reasons To Ignore

• More expensive

• New engine is not as refined

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Reasons To Consider

• Bigger car for similar pricing

• Looks modern

• Better feature package

• More comfortable ride quality

• CNG option available

Reasons To Ignore

• Less refined engine

• Lower fuel efficiency