Suzuki’s adorable Ignis nearing the end in NZ, at least for now

The end is nigh for one of Suzuki’s most popular nameplates. But, never say never when it comes to a replacement. 

The Suzuki Ignis nameplate was reintroduced to the New Zealand market nine years ago, with the compact SUV quickly establishing itself as one of the marque’s most popular models. 

Suzuki New Zealand confirmed last year that the Ignis would soon depart our line-up, amid news from overseas that the Japanese carmaker did not have a replacement for the model lined up. The Ignis has already disappeared from Suzuki’s range in Australia.

Speaking at last week’s launch of the all-new fully electric e Vitara, Suzuki New Zealand chief executive Gary Collins reiterated that the brand is not bringing any new Ignis units into the country. It still has models available locally, but stock levels “won’t in the market last much longer”. 

But, a replacement for the Ignis could be in the works after all. Whilst he did not commit to anything, Collins noted that Suzuki has numerous concept vehicles in the same size bracket as the Ignis, and some of these could present themselves as replacements for the nameplate in coming years.

Last October, Suzuki unveiled two diminutive cars that could potentially fit the bill. 

First was the brand’s updated XBee, a ruggedly decorated Japanese market kei car powered by the same 1.2-litre mild hybrid powertrain as the Suzuki Swift, with either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive available. The xBee is the muscled up version of the iconic Suzuki Hustler.

The model’s SUV styling is backed up with features like hill descent and a Snow Mode. 

Less rugged but perhaps a little more appropriate as an Ignis replacement is the Suzuki Vision e-Sky concept. Unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, the kei-sized car is said to preview an EV that will soon go into production. 

Suzuki has not detailed the e-Sky’s powertrain or battery sizes, but the model could lift some hardware from its e Vitara stablemate. In 2WD trim, the e Vitara’s 61kWh battery pack boasts a 426km range on the WLTP cycle. 

Whilst the XBee and e-Sky are appropriately sized to slot in as an Ignis replacement, Suzuki's growing interest in taking models from India means it is just as likely that a replacement could come from the brand's Indian division. The Fronx and e Vitara are both made in India.

Suzuki New Zealand will be keen to secure a replacement for the Ignis as the model, even in its final months on sale, remains one of the most popular nameplates in its stable. 

A total of 464 Ignis models were registered in New Zealand last year, making it Suzuki’s fourth most popular model behind the Swift (1826 registrations), Fronx (1078), and Jimny (985), and ahead of the Vitara (460) and S-Cross (163).