Pricing for Suzuki’s chic Ignis crossover has been announced.

A NEW Suzuki crossover that returns an old name to the market will cost less than $20,000 – but only in its entry format.

Pricing for the Ignis were made public today, ahead of the car’s media preview planned for Friday.

Suzuki New Zealand says the five-speed manual GLX edition will be the entry model, for $18,990.

The same variant with a constantly variable transmission will cost $20,500. The more highly specified LTD, that solely comes with CVT, is $22,500 or $22,990 when specified with the feature item of a black roof. All prices exclude on road costs.

All three versions have a 1242cc four-cylinder, 16-valve double overhead camshaft engine. This multi-point fuel injected power plant has variable valve technology and produces 66kW of power at 6000 rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4400 rpm.

The mill uses Suzuki’s latest twin fuel injector DualJet system for improved fuel economy. The fuel injectors are positioned close to the engine inlet valves which allows for finer fuel atomisation (or mixture). The 1.2 litre motor has improved thermal efficiency and low-friction technology and produces low emissions. In manual transmission form, the Ignis emits just 107 grams per litre of CO2, rising to 114 grams per litre with the CVT automatic model.

In the combined fuel cycle, the manual returns 4.7 litres/100km and the CVT auto optimises 4.9 litres/100km.

Ignis has ventilated front disc brakes and drum brakes at the rear. The front suspension comprises McPherson strut and coil springs, while the rear suspension uses a torsion beam and coil springs.

The GLX has 15-inch diameter steel wheels shod with 175/65 section tyres, while the LTD has black 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels and 175/60 tyres.

Suzuki says a tight turning circle of 4.7 metres is a bonus during crowded city driving and promises that, on the road, the car feels nimble, with a ride that “is cushioned and controlled at speed.”

The LTD grade includes two individual sliding and reclining rear seats, while GLX has 60:40 split folding fixed rear seats. The boot load area capacity with the rear seats in an upright position is 271 litres, increasing to a maximum volume of 1104 litres with both rear seats folded.

In line with the extravert character of the car, customers can personalise the Ignis with blue, grey, orange or red interior colour accents for both exterior and interior. These colours can be applied to the lower centre console, door trim and air vents.

A two-colour interior finish is complemented by glossy body-colour door pulls, and the bright interior is as different as the car’s exterior. There are six body colours - pearl white, silver, blue and orange plus the option of that black roof for white and red LTD models.

The car has electronic stability programme, ABS with EBD, brake assist, six airbags and side impact beams. CVT models have hill holding control and shift lock and key interlock.

Suzuki says pedestrian protection is enhanced by extra shock absorption built into the bonnet, front wiper area, front bumper and bonnet lip to reduce collision impact. Decoupling mechanism for brake and clutch pedals, an ISOFIX child seat restraint system and child seat tether anchorages are standard.

The GLX comes as standard with air conditioning and pollen filter, cruise control with speed limiter that sets a maximum speed, power assisted steering, electric windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors. Fabric seat material is standard on GLX and has contrast stitching on LTD, and the steering column is adjustable for both tilt and reach.

A computer displays fuel consumption (instantaneous and average) and fuel range distance to empty, while there is a four-speaker (six-speaker on LTD) audio system, Bluetooth audio-streaming and hands-free calling, remote central door locking, digital clock and outside temperature gauge and 60:40 folding rear seats.

Audio and phone controls are located on the three spoke leather-bound steering wheel that has audio and cruise control with speed limiter. Halogen multi-reflector headlamps, front fog lamps, body coloured mirrors and door handles and rear wiper and washer are also included in the GLX package.

The LTD model adds climate control air conditioning, keyless entry with push button start, a touch-screen tuner with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compliance and a reversing camera.

It also comes with chrome front grille surround, LED protector headlamps with automatic levelling, automatic dusk-sensing headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and privacy glass for the rear window and hatchback glass.

The Wanganui-based brand’s general manager of marketing, Gary Collins, says Ignis is “as much about form as function and it further strengthens our small car lineup.”

“Demand for compact crossover SUV models continues to increase and while Ignis is sure to be a car with low running costs, it also makes a real point of difference with its colourful styling inside and out.

“We have equipped both levels of the Ignis with comprehensive standard equipment in line with consumer demand,” he said.

“Ignis could be the most affordable motoring surprise of the year.”