Suzuki Ignis II 1.2 DualJet (90 Hp) ALLGRIP: A Compact Crossover with Global Appeal
The Suzuki Ignis II, specifically the 1.2 DualJet (90 Hp) ALLGRIP variant produced between 2016 and December 2019, represents a distinctive offering in the subcompact crossover segment. While not widely available in the United States market, this second-generation Ignis carved out a significant niche in Europe, Japan, and other international markets. It embodies Suzuki’s philosophy of creating lightweight, efficient, and capable vehicles, packaging SUV-inspired styling and an optional all-wheel-drive system into an incredibly compact footprint. Positioned as a versatile urban companion with surprising off-road potential for its size, the Suzuki Ignis II 1.2 DualJet (90 Hp) ALLGRIP appealed to buyers seeking practicality, fuel efficiency, and a touch of adventurous spirit without the bulk of larger SUVs.
Engine and Performance: Efficient Power for Agile Maneuvers
At the heart of the Suzuki Ignis II 1.2 DualJet (90 Hp) ALLGRIP lies Suzuki’s K12C engine, a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter (1242 cm3 or 75.79 cubic inches) inline-four gasoline unit. This engine is a prime example of modern small-displacement engineering, designed for maximum efficiency and respectable output. Featuring a multi-port manifold injection system and a high compression ratio of 12.5:1, the DualJet technology optimizes combustion for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. It delivers a sprightly 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 88.51 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. For a vehicle with a remarkably low curb weight ranging from 1918 to 1995 pounds, this powertrain provides adequate acceleration and a lively driving experience.
Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the 1.2 DualJet engine propels the Ignis II from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 11.3 seconds, with a top speed of 102.53 mph. These figures highlight its intended role as an urban and suburban explorer rather than a highway cruiser, prioritizing quick acceleration from a standstill and nimble handling. Fuel efficiency is a major strong suit, with a combined rating of 47 US mpg (5 liters per 100 km). Urban consumption stands at an impressive 39.9 US mpg, and extra-urban driving pushes it to 52.3 US mpg, making it an economical choice for daily commuting. Furthermore, with CO2 emissions of just 114 g/km, the Ignis II 1.2 DualJet meets the stringent Euro 6 emission standard, underscoring its environmentally conscious design.
Design and Features: A Distinctive Urban SUV Aesthetic
The Suzuki Ignis II adopts a unique and instantly recognizable design, blending classic SUV cues with a modern, almost futuristic aesthetic. Its compact dimensions – a length of 145.67 inches, a width of 66.54 inches, and a height of 62.8 inches – make it exceptionally maneuverable in tight city streets and parking spaces. Despite its small size, the Ignis presents a confident and robust stance, thanks to its elevated ground clearance of 7.09 inches and short overhangs. The 5-door SUV body type, combined with bold wheel arches and a distinctive C-pillar design, gives it a robust yet playful character.
Inside, the Ignis II offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its class, configured with four seats. The elevated seating position provides excellent visibility, a characteristic often associated with larger SUVs. Practicality is a key focus, evident in the flexible cargo space. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 7.2 cubic feet, which expands significantly to 38.35 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it capable of handling varied cargo needs from groceries to weekend gear. The ALLGRIP variant enhances its capability, featuring a drivetrain architecture where the internal combustion engine permanently drives the front wheels, with the rear wheels engaging through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch when additional traction is needed. This system, combined with robust suspension (McPherson struts upfront and a semi-independent coil spring rear setup), ventilated disc brakes at the front, and drum brakes at the rear, ensures confident handling and braking performance. Standard safety features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) further bolster driver confidence. The electric power steering system and a tight turning circle of 30.84 feet contribute to its urban agility.
Technical Specifications: Suzuki Ignis II 1.2 DualJet (90 Hp) ALLGRIP
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General Information | |
| Brand | Suzuki |
| Model | Ignis |
| Generation | Ignis II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 DualJet (90 Hp) ALLGRIP |
| Start of Production | 2016 year |
| End of Production | December, 2019 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 114 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph (0-100 km/h) | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 102.53 mph (165 km/h) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp (103.4 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm (137.9 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per liter | 72.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 120 Nm @ 4400 rpm (88.51 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K12C |
| Engine displacement | 1242 cm3 (75.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 74.2 mm (2.92 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.3 l (3.49 US qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 870-905 kg (1918.02 – 1995.18 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1330 kg (2932.15 lbs) |
| Max load | 425-460 kg (936.96 – 1014.13 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 204 l (7.2 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1086 l (38.35 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 30 l (7.93 US gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 400 kg (881.85 lbs) |
| Permitted towbar download | 50 kg (110.23 lbs) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3700 mm (145.67 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1595 mm (62.8 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2435 mm (95.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 180 mm (7.09 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 20° |
| Departure angle | 38.3° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 19.2° |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels permanently, and the rear wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 inches |
Legacy and Market Impact: A Niche Player with Enduring Charm
The Suzuki Ignis II 1.2 DualJet (90 Hp) ALLGRIP, while not a mass-market phenomenon like some larger crossovers, forged a significant reputation in its primary markets, particularly in Europe and Japan. It competed in a growing segment of compact, urban-focused SUVs against rivals such as the Fiat Panda 4×4, Dacia Sandero Stepway, and various other A-segment and B-segment crossovers. Its unique blend of characterful styling, compact dimensions, impressive fuel efficiency, and the availability of a capable ALLGRIP all-wheel-drive system set it apart.
The Ignis appealed to a diverse demographic, from young urban dwellers seeking a stylish and economical city car with an adventurous edge, to older buyers looking for an easy-to-drive, high-riding vehicle that offered peace of mind in varied weather conditions. Its high ground clearance and respectable approach/departure angles meant it could tackle light off-road trails or challenging snowy roads with more confidence than many of its two-wheel-drive competitors. Suzuki’s long-standing reputation for reliability and building robust, no-nonsense vehicles further enhanced the Ignis’s appeal. Its light weight contributed not only to performance and fuel economy but also to agile handling, making it a surprisingly fun car to drive around town.
In retrospect, the Suzuki Ignis II 1.2 DualJet (90 Hp) ALLGRIP stands as a testament to Suzuki’s ability to innovate within niche segments. It proved that a small car could still offer SUV aspirations, practical utility, and genuine all-weather capability, all while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency and a low environmental footprint. Its distinctive design and functional packaging ensured its place as a memorable and highly regarded option for those who prioritized maneuverability and versatility in a compact package.
