There are strong indications that Maruti Suzuki has stopped production of the Ignis, the hatchback that was once a popular model for the brand. Dealers are reportedly conveying this information to customers who have already booked the car, as well as to those arriving for new bookings.

While the company has not made an official announcement yet, the news is trending on social media. Currently, the Ignis remains live on the Maruti Nexa website, with full details and pricing still available. However, reports from GoatIt.co suggest that the Ignis will no longer be part of Maruti’s lineup after March 31.

The Journey from Ritz to Ignis

The Ignis was originally introduced as a successor to the Ritz. The Ritz featured the same petrol and diesel engines as the Swift but offered a higher seating position. The Ignis was designed without hiding its similarities to the Ritz. Although the term "Micro SUV" didn't exist during the Ritz's era, Maruti marketed the Ignis as a Micro SUV to capitalize on the SUV wave sweeping the Indian market.

Technical Lag and Efficiency

While Maruti updated the engines for the Swift and Dzire last year, the Ignis remained unchanged. It still uses the K12 series 4-cylinder 1.2-liter petrol engine, producing 82\text{ hp} of power and 113\text{ Nm} of torque.

In contrast, the Swift and Dzire have transitioned to the Z-series 3-cylinder 1.2-liter petrol engine, which offers superior fuel efficiency. While the Ignis claims a mileage of 20 km/l, the new Swift delivers nearly 25 km/l.

Safety and Regulatory Challenges

Safety is another area where the Ignis has fallen behind. It currently offers only 2 airbags, whereas 6 airbags have become standard across newer models like the Swift.

With stricter emission norms, fuel efficiency standards, and safety regulations coming into play, Maruti faced a choice: update the Ignis's engine and increase the airbag count, or discontinue the model. Given that sales volumes for the Ignis aren't high enough to justify the cost of an engine overhaul. Maintaining the old K12 series for a single model is no longer practical too.

Sales Performance and Market Position

The Ignis is priced between ₹5,35,000 and ₹7,55,000 for its manual and AMT variants. Despite price cuts ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹66,000 following GST adjustments late last year, sales failed to gain momentum.

Currently, the Jimny and Ignis sit at the bottom of Maruti’s sales charts. It is highly likely that Maruti will replace the Ignis with a new model, as it is the entry-level vehicle for the Nexa showroom network—a slot the company is unlikely to leave vacant.

Note for Owners: Current Ignis owners have no reason to worry. Thanks to Maruti’s extensive service and spare parts network, you can continue to drive and maintain your vehicle without concern.

Summary of Disadvantages:

* Uses an older-generation engine.

* Equipped with only two airbags.

* Lower fuel efficiency compared to the new Swift.