Suzuki Ignis (FF21S)

Last year, at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, Suzuki once showcased one of the most bizarre models ever made that will be available to the motoring public this year. It's called the Ignis and while this name sounds familiar to anyone who used to own one under the "Chevrolet Cruze" banner (not to be confused with the saloon we are familiar with), it's now a car with different personalities.

2016 Suzuki Ignis

Is it a sedan? Is it a hatchback? Is it a crossover? Is it a coupe? You can't really tell which is which because the Ignis looks like most of it above. It can look like a sedan, a hatchback, a coupe, and a crossover, but above all, the Ignis looks like it's the best of all worlds.

2016 Suzuki Ignis interior

2016 Suzuki Ignis interior

On the inside, the Ignis looks more like a European hatchback, except it isn't European because the Ignis is strictly Japanese and you know how Japanese people look over small cars. It's got seating for four people, some concessions for comfort, and a nifty touch screen featuring satellite navigation, Aha Radio, and the first for a Japanese car sold in the Japanese market, Apple CarPlay connectivity. This means, the Ignis, despite its small sizing and its confusing body style, is surprisingly high-tech inside out.

2016 Suzuki Ignis

Here's a little heads-up about the new Suzuki Ignis because the powerplant is highly similar to the latest Suzuki Solio. Yep, it comes with Suzuki's Mild Hybrid technology that works in tandem with SUZUKI GREEN TECHNOLOGY. It's powered by a K12C Dual Jet engine producing 91PS of power and 118Nm of torque, while coupled with an Integrated Starter Generator, Lithium-ion Battery, an updated idling stop system, and CVT, resulting in 28.8kmpl of fuel consumption based on Japan's JC08 Mode standards.

As for dynamics, the Ignis stays true to its simplicity thanks to its front MacPherson struts, rear Torsion beams, and of course the Rack and Pinion Steering, meaning it doesn't feel as comfortable and as sporty as any other hatchbacks are known today and it doesn't feel as rugged as any offroad-capable crossovers, which isn't a case for those if you may ask.

In terms of being a tech-savvy compact, the Ignis comes with numerous safety features in store such as a dual camera brake support system, Lane Departure Warning, Stagger Alarm Function, Preceding Vehicle Start Alert, Emergency Stop Signal that warns drivers at the back, ESP, and 4-wheel ABS. This car sure knows some tough love to the drivers owning one.

Should you buy one? The Ignis starts at 1,382,400 Japanese Yen, which sounds very reasonable for a compact car with a rather confusing category to begin with but with all that tech loaded in a small car, the Ignis fits well not just as a city car but a car fit for your next weekend getaway.

Available colors: Flame Orange Pearl Metallic, Pure White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic, Super Black Pearl, Neon Blue Metallic, Helios Gold Pearl Metallic, Fervent Red, Boost Blue Pearl Metallic, Flame Orange Pearl Metallic Black 2 Tone Roof, Neon Blue Metallic Black 2 Tone Roof, , Helios Gold Pearl Metallic Black 2 Tone Roof, , Pure White Pearl Black 2 Tone Roof, and Fervent Red Black 2 Tone Roof, 

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation