Suzuki Ignis 2024 : A Legend Built on Heart, Not Hype | by Not a Carguy | Aug, 2025

The year was 2024. After a few enriching years living in Germany, I found myself back in India — a place of vibrant chaos, relentless energy, and roads that test every driver’s mettle. My experience with over the Autobahn, winding Bavarian country roads, and pristine Alpine passes had shaped my love for cars that deliver not just from point A to B, but from heart to soul. Returning to India, I was determined to find a car that could bridge two wildly different worlds: the precision and driving thrill of Europe and the bustling unpredictability of Indian streets.

When I started searching for a car, I didn’t want to settle. I was instantly wary of the popular choices everyone expected me to pick: the Hyundai i20 N Line with its flashy badge and throttle-happy turbo engine; the big SUVs that signify status; or the usual Maruti Suzuki suspects — the ubiquitous Swift, Wagon R, and Grand i10. All great machines for their segments, but they didn’t speak to me. They were mainstream, expected, safe.

In truth, part of me was tempted by something bold — perhaps even a BMW M340i, with its thunderous engines and European pedigree. But practicality held me back. My work schedule meant frequent travel, long days in unknown cities, and the ongoing uncertainty of when I might be relocated again to Europe. Investing in an expensive, performance-oriented luxury car felt risky — a thrill today, but perhaps a logistical headache tomorrow if life’s plans shifted suddenly again.

Looking for a practical yet soulful solution, I also reflected on a chapter from four years earlier: my Tiago build. Back then, I’d picked up a base model Tiago and spent time, energy, and money upgrading it — retrofitting the most necessary features to try to match the need. That project taught me a key lesson. No matter how much you add, a base model will never quite feel like a car designed and equipped as a top variant from the start. It was a valuable experiment — one that deserves a story of its own in a future blog.

And so, I began the hunt for a car that could deliver honest fun and authentic character — something that might not tick every conventional box, but would make every journey memorable, whether it was a spontaneous city sprint or a long, winding escape.

My first obsession was the Volkswagen Polo TSI manual. Known for its diesel-like torque in a small petrol hatch, combined with sharp handling and build quality, the Polo TSI manual is a rare jewel in Indian automotive circles. I searched for weeks, calling sellers, test-driving as many models as I could, hoping to find one well cared for and true to form. Unfortunately, every one I found was either a beaten-down mess, wildly overpriced, or screamed of uncanny bargains that scared me off. The Polo dream faded — not because it wasn’t perfect, but because the right one wasn’t available.

During this quest, I paced alongside countless Swift and Wagon R owners, as well as Grand i10 drivers — competent and hassle-free — but to me, their mainstream appeal made them less special. The Swift, once a pioneer of the sporty hatchback archetype, now hummed quietly in every neighborhood. The Grand i10 held weight in comfort but lacked warmth. The Wagon R? Unquestioned practicality, but uninspiring.

It was then that I looked to the Maruti Suzuki Ignis — not because it was the obvious choice, but because it simply grabbed me. Its boxy, compact stature reflected a kind of ruggedness I hadn’t seen in hatchbacks for years. Reminiscent of playful compact SUVs, its personality was undeniable and rare on Indian roads.

Picking the Ignis wasn’t just a solitary decision; it became a shared journey. In 2023, I convinced my close friend Jibin to buy one. At first, he was hesitant — wary of the peculiar styling and relatively niche appeal. But within months, Jibin was as hooked as I was, praising the Ignis’s balance of city practicality and distinctive charm.

Our excitement attracted others from our circle. Before long, several friends joined the Ignis movement, each bringing their own story, upgrades, and uniqueness. This unofficial club gave our everyday drives a sense of community, and ignited conversations about things beyond horsepower — about style, feel, and personality.

This bond made my own Ignis purchase all the more meaningful in December 2024. I wasn’t just buying a car; I was joining a growing family of enthusiasts who had found in the Ignis a rare blend of practicality, fun, and individuality.

At first, the Ignis felt like an honest city companion. The 1.2L K12 petrol motor was smooth, delivering decent fuel economy and gentle performance, ideal for daily commutes. The tall-boy silhouette provided great visibility, and the cabin felt spacious enough for urban errands and weekend carry-alls.

But for someone who had experienced the mechanical sharpness and engagement of German cars, the Ignis in stock form left subtle cravings unfulfilled. The throttle response was safe and mellow. The plastic-heavy steering wheel felt like a missed opportunity in an otherwise equipped Alpha trim. The flashy chrome bits didn’t feel right with the car’s rugged lines. And the stock tyres and wheels, while functional, didn’t harness the car’s potential dynamic spirit.

Also, although the Maruti SmartPlay system was commendable, the wired CarPlay felt like an anachronism compared to the effortless wireless setups.

Over three months, I took my Ignis through a deliberate and well-thought-out transformation — turning a reliable hatch into a machine with personality, pride, and presence.

• BMC Stock Replacement Filter: Gave the engine breathing room and enlivened throttle response with a deeper induction note. This small change was the heartbeat that my Ignis needed.
• NGK Ruthenium Spark Plugs: Smoothed out ignition and improved the engine’s mid-range — making starts crisper, acceleration smoother.
• Petes Stage 1 Tune: The transformation here was profound. Suddenly, the car had the urge and punch I had longed for — making city overtakes quick and confident, and weekend highway stretches pure pleasure.
• Lenso Fanatic 15x7J Alloy Wheels matched with Continental UC6 195/60/15 Tyres: Wider wheels and grippy rubber changed the car’s posture and planted it solidly on corners. From hesitant city car to eager corner-cruiser, the difference was palpable.

• Chrome Deletion: Removing every shiny chrome accent gave the Bluish Black paint the freedom to glow and breathe. It gave the Ignis a stealthy elegance and a mature, purposeful personality.
• Custom Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel: A touch of luxury and tactile delight. Every turn of the wheel now reminded me of the German cockpit standards I cherished.
• Turtle Wax Graphene Coating: This protective layer helps the car withstand India’s brutal monsoon and dust, keeping it shinier and easier to maintain than I expected.
• GFX All-Weather Floor Mats: Practical for the chaos of Indian roads and weather, these mats safeguarded my interior without sacrificing style.
• Quad Lock Wireless CarPlay Adapter: Finally, wireless tech that made connectivity effortless, just like I’d enjoyed in other cars.

Since December 2024, every corner I round, every stoplight I wait at, every road I chart — the Ignis is more than a vehicle. It’s a statement.

• The Ignis attracts curious glances — passing drivers, pedestrians, parking attendants — sometimes wondering if it’s an import.
• It invites drives — whether zipping through Kochi traffic or leisurely cruising country roads nearby.
• I feel proud every time I wash it and see that deep gloss, knowing it carries my personality and care.

It’s no accident that I’ve chosen something different from the i20 N Line, the Polo TSI, or others with bigger engines and “bigger” badges. Those cars might impress at first glance or in a test drive, but none match the emotional bond growing every kilometer in my Ignis.

People often say the Suzuki Jimny is more than a car — it’s a legend with soul. The Ignis shares that rare magic. Just as the Jimny’s boxy, cheeky design refuses to blend in, the Ignis wears its retro-modern, upright stance with pride. Its character is bold and unmistakable.

Driving the Ignis, especially after my modifications, feels similar to the Jimny’s spirit. It’s not about raw power or luxury; it’s about connection. The Ignis is alive, playful, eager — beckoning you to explore city backstreets or weekend escapes with a grin.

The Jimny has its tribe, passionate owners who individualize their cars and celebrate their quirks. The Ignis has built its own circle too. I convinced my friend Jibin to pick one up in 2023, and soon several from my crew followed. Each Ignis tells a personal story, much like every Jimny on its own adventure.

My Ignis isn’t just transportation; it is a story written over months of patient tweaking, late-night research, and long drives. It is my point of connection to the roads I’ve traveled, the culture I’ve embraced, and the friends who share this love.

After months of living with the Ignis, it’s clear: every legend has its imperfections, and the Ignis is no exception. For all its soul and personality, a spirit reminiscent of the Jimny — it has a few quirks that remind me no car is truly perfect.

What Bothers Me (For Now)

• The suspension, while comfortable for daily commutes, is a bit too soft for my liking. There’s noticeable body roll when I push it hard around corners — a reminder that its roots aren’t as sporty as they look.
• The brakes could definitely use a stronger initial bite. Whether in the city or tackling highways, I often wish for more confidence and sharper feedback.
• The stock audio system is underwhelming; music lovers like me get left wanting, and the vibrations from the door pads whenever there’s a water bottle stashed in place can be distracting, especially on rough patches.
• The rear seat’s upright angle means it’s best treated as a two-seater for anyone prioritizing comfort — a compromise that suits my solo and duo drives, but might not please everyone.

Yet, in the Real World:

• I reliably get 12.5km/l in the city and 16–18km/l on the highway — a balance that suits my daily routes and spirited getaways.
• Maintenance is refreshingly affordable. Compared to premium brands like VW, Maruti’s cheap parts and service keep ownership stress-free, letting me spend more time driving and less worrying about bills.

But here’s what I love most: these aren’t roadblocks — they’re milestones. I’m already planning to upgrade the suspension, improve the braking feel, and eventually swap out the sound system for something worthy of the car’s personality. Maybe I’ll tackle some cabin damping too.

The Ignis is not just a car; it’s a journey. Its quirks give me purpose and projects, and every improvement is another chapter in the story. No car is perfect — but the joy is in making it your own, growing with it, and letting the journey shape you as much as you shape it. That’s how legends are born.

To anyone unsure about choosing something rare, shy from the crowd, or different from what’s “popular,” consider this:

• Drive what you love — no matter the size, badge, or hype.
• Find your tribe — your circle will understand and uplift your passion.
• Personalize your car — every mod is a chapter in your ownership story.
• Don’t just buy a car to use; buy a car to feel alive.

My Ignis is a legend born not from specs or speculations, but from heart and moments. It’s a testament that returning home doesn’t mean giving up passion — it means channeling it through what’s in front of you and making every drive unforgettable.

The Ignis may not have been the obvious choice — neither to me nor to those who doubted. But it was the right one. And every kilometer proves it.