Maruti NEXA Ignis Diesel Alpha Automatic

The Maruti NEXA Ignis Diesel Alpha Automatic is a compact crossover that offers a blend of style, practicality, and performance. The vehicle is powered by a 1.3-litre DDiS190 diesel engine, paired with a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The interior is spacious and well-packaged, with features like a free-standing 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and steering-mounted controls. The Alpha variant also includes LED headlamps, DRLs, and drivers seat height adjustment, making it a well-equipped option. The Ignis is known for its peppy performance, especially in the mid-range, and its low kerb weight of 865 kg enhances its city driving capabilities. With a boot space of 260 litres and a 6040 rear seat split, it offers decent practicality. Safety features include ABS with EBD and dual front airbags, making it a solid choice for urban drivers.

The Maruti NEXA Ignis Diesel Alpha Automatic is a unique and practical choice in the Indian market, especially for those seeking a diesel-automatic combination in the compact segment. The vehicles design, though polarizing, stands out with its funky and youthful interior. The 1.3-litre DDiS190 diesel engine, producing 75PS and 190Nm of torque, is robust and efficient, particularly once the turbo kicks in past 2000rpm. The AMT transmission, while not perfect, does a commendable job in city driving and is significantly improved over earlier Maruti AMT models. However, the ride quality can be stiff, and rear passengers may feel the bumps more than others. Overall, its a great option for city driving and occasional highway trips, but it may not appeal to everyone due to its design and some quirks in the AMT.

Maruti Suzuki has officially discontinued the diesel variant of the Ignis in India due to high prices and low demand. This decision affects the Ignis Diesel Alpha Automatic, which will no longer be available in the market. The petrol variants will continue to be sold through NEXA showrooms. I think this move is a reflection of the shifting consumer preferences towards petrol and hybrid vehicles.

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis Diesel Alpha Automatic was previously offered with a 1.3-litre DDiS190 engine, producing 75PS and 190Nm of torque. This engine was paired with a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), making it the only diesel hatch under Rs 10 lakh with an automatic transmission. The diesel-automatic combo was known for its efficiency and smooth gear shifts. I believe this unique offering will be missed in the market.

The Ignis Diesel Alpha Automatic was part of the updates Maruti Suzuki introduced in 2017, which included the addition of AGS (Auto Gear Shift) technology to the top-spec Alpha trim. This update aimed to provide a more convenient driving experience, especially in urban traffic conditions. I believe this technology was a step in the right direction, but it wasnt enough to save the diesel variant.

Before its discontinuation, the Ignis Diesel Alpha Automatic was priced at Rs 8.08 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), making it a premium option in the compact hatchback segment. The vehicle came with features like LED projector headlamps, automatic climate control, and a rear view parking camera, enhancing its appeal. I think the pricing was competitive, but the market demand ultimately dictated its fate.

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis, including the Diesel Alpha Automatic variant, was launched in India in January 2017 and initially saw strong bookings. However, the diesel variant failed to sustain long-term demand. The launch marked Maruti Suzukis entry into the premium compact hatchback segment through its NEXA outlets. I believe the initial excitement was promising, but the market dynamics changed quickly.

The Maruti NEXA Ignis Diesel Alpha Automatic comes with a price tag that reflects its premium positioning within the Nexa lineup. The ex-showroom price for this variant is around Rs. 7.80 lakh. However, the on-road price, including taxes, registration, and other costs, can go up to around Rs. 9.5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing makes it a bit on the higher side compared to some of its competitors, but the unique features, such as the diesel-automatic combo and the distinctive design, might justify the cost for some buyers.

The Maruti NEXA Ignis Diesel Alpha Automatic boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 26.80 kmpl. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 20-22 kmpl in city driving and up to 24 kmpl on highways, making it a cost-effective option for those concerned about running costs. This mileage, combined with the diesel engines efficiency, makes the Ignis a viable choice for daily commuters.