Suzuki hybrid in Israel

For the first time in Israel, a Suzuki hybrid car is launched. The local importer of traffic devices has started marketing the Ignis 2021, the first swallow from the updated model line of the Japanese manufacturer that has been fitted with a moderate hybrid system and in manual and automatic versions (continuous gear). In this context, the Ignis also receives slight design refinements from the inside and also adopts the brand’s active safety line for its deck.

This is the first facelift of the Ignis 2nd generation introduced in 2017 and it is characterized by very symbolic touches on its exterior body. The changes are noticeable in the demarcation of the split chrome in the front grille, replacement of bumpers and addition of colors. In the passenger compartment, too, there are no deep upgrades beyond what is customary in this type of refresh, and there Suzuki tells about new blue hues, slightly different upholstery for the seats and a dashboard with an updated digital display.

The most important addition of the Ignis 2021 lies in the safety systems. Instead of local warning devices (Mobilai and the like), original active systems from the manufacturer were equipped. The redesigned Ignis has automatic brake control in an emergency, lane departure warning and a system that warns the driver against anesthesia on the steering wheel. The technological infrastructure is based on a pair of cameras at the top level of the windshield that monitor the travel path. In the crash tests in 2016 (the criteria were recently tightened), it received a maximum score of 5 points due to the invention of safety systems (which have so far been absent from the local specifications).

The Ignis’ hybrid engine is based on a combustion unit, battery and starter-generator, which yield a certain improvement in performance but mainly reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. This is a non-heavy system that adds about 10 kg to the overall weight of the model, which stabilizes at 945-977 kg (depending on the box). The 1.2-liter four-piston engine produces a weighted power of 83 hp and 10.9 kg available from 2,500 rpm. About 22.3 km per liter of gasoline according to the manufacturer’s data – a set-off of about 10% in the Ignis’ drinking habits compared to the model before the facelift. The manual model, which has five speeds, presents almost identical data.

Prices and what next?

The current Ignis has been sold in 6,500 units since its launch, about 98% of the content in the private market, of which the share of manual models stands at only 4% (about 300 cars). Traffic devices point out that the launch of Suzuki’s hybrid models in Europe has been crowned a success, and today about half of the dedication in the Western Continent is of the eco-friendly models. They also say that they estimate that about 45,000 hybrid cars will be delivered in Israel next year, and that it is expected that Suzuki will steal about 15% of its market share. It is also noted that in addition to the new Ignis, the Israeli market will inaugurate the Swift hybrid next month, followed by the April crossover and Vitra hybrid and in the last quarter the Suzuki Swias (Corolla hybrid twin) as well as the Suzuki A-Cross, twin Toyota Rab 4 hybrid.

Prices for the renewed Ignis In Israel, they will start at NIS 85,000 for the manual model and up to NIS 95,000 for the continuous model.