Suzuki Ignis

It seems just about every manufacturer is throwing its hat into the small SUV ring at the moment, but with the Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki proves again few others are more experienced at engineering and building them.

This time around, though, it's taken the 'small' part to the extreme with its all-new Ignis.

At just 3.7 metres long, 1.69m wide and 1.6m tall, the Ignis is a rival for city cars such as the Fiat 500 and Vauxhall Adam on size. But given its flared wheel arches, bluff nose and jacked-up stance, you'd be forgiven for calling it a small SUV, and with the optional all-wheel drive system in the Suzuki Ignis Allgrip, that argument stacks up even more.

Just one engine option is available: Suzuki's 89bhp naturally aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol unit. The only variation is the option of a mild hybrid application previously seen in the firm's Baleno; this uses a belt-driven integrated starter/generator and a second lithium ion battery that assist the engine during warm starts, take-off and acceleration. The result of all that is slightly better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions of 97g/km.

Underpinning everything is the same high-tensile steel chassis on which the Baleno is based, but the Ignis's smaller dimensions mean a remarkable kerb weight figure of 855kg for the entry-level front-wheel-drive model.

Talking of trims, there are three from which you can choose: SZ3, SZ-T and SZ5. Entry-level SZ3 cars get 15in steel wheels, front electric windows, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning and rear privacy glass as standard.

Upgrading to SZ-T gets you sliding rear seats, roof rails, rugged exterior body mouldings, smartphone integration and a rear-view camera, while topping the range is the SZ-5 Ignis adds front foglights, keyless entry and start, climate control, cruise control and dual-camera brake support.

Is the Ignis a city car or a small SUV?

A power output of 89bhp may sound modest, but the Ignis doesn't really want for more, even in the heavier Allgrip model.

The usual rules apply: with natural aspiration and only a maximum of 88lb ft to call upon at 4400rpm, quick sprints require patience and/or a gearchange. Still, it's an engine that has no issue with being pushed, and Suzuki's five-speed manual gearbox is precise enough to make the whole driving experience rather enjoyable.

Mind you, the rest of the car isn't so keen, because its steering is rather slow, vague off-centre and inconsistently weighted, while there's pronounced body roll in corners.

Nevertheless, the Ignis's lightweight and short wheelbase at least help it to feel agile, and it has plenty of grip on the road.

Off it, the Allgrip technology is designed to help the Ignis cross muddy fields rather than traverse mountain ranges, but the fact that hill descent control is a feature on the all-wheel drive models is impressive.