2021 Suzuki Ignis SZ-T hybrid on Road Review

The 2021 Suzuki Ignis Sz-T hybrid SHVS has just been released in the UK and I explore this new compact SUV / City car. We look at the styling, practicality and driving experience this new car has to offer.
The Ignis has a distinctive small car, with strong SUV styling; it’s compact, light and efficient, but has big personality and an adventurous spirit. It’s small enough to fit easily into a space outside your favourite hangout, but inside it’s surprisingly spacious.

[@oddities-whatnot]

This car is perfectly suited for ANY roads, including motorways. We live in a society where there is this ridiculous assumption that small engined city cars cant use motorways because they cant keep up etc. Load of rubbish. ALL new cars today can do the maximum speed limit in the UK. You dont need huge torque to sit at 70mph, it does that very comfortably. The problem is impatient drivers, they are the ones who cant drive properly and try to justify their silly lease BMW or whatever. You don’t need a lot of power to overtake on motorways. Reason being, if you are approaching a vehicle thats doing 60mph, indicate and pull out when its safe to do so, simply pass it at 70mph then pull back in again. If you need tons of power to do that it means you are taking risks by pulling out into approaching traffic impatiently when there probably isnt room to do so. You could say you need power to pull out if its busy. Ok, but if you are doing 60mph instead of 70mph for the rest of your commute, you wont get there an hour later ! People fail to understand that speeding does NOT shorten your journey time by any noticeable margin. You may think it does because you are a few miles ahead of others but when you eventually slow down, it always happens, other drivers simply catch you up. Power does not make you a good driver, its the opposite in most cases these days. I do 100 thousand miles a year, I see it all. Roads are full of people who need to retake their test.

[@DamoDrives]

It’s a good all round car at sensible money

[@jimmyw7530]

Couldn’t agree more! A lot of car reviewers use the condescending term “first car” when describing cheap and cheerful small cars. For many people it is all the car they really need, but macho bravado or peer pressure leads them to buy a massive SUV or Utes here in Australia where I live. Massive loans and fuel bills to keep up with the Jones’ next door. Sometimes humans are desperately sad creatures, constantly seeking the tribe’s approval.

[@TheSkipdivide]

So true! 👍

[@mmuller2402]

No its definitely not "enought" for the motorways... i did drive 65km a day 32,5km to work every day for 8 years just only A7 Autobahn in germany. Anyone doing 15000km a year and buying sub 100ps 5gear manual for daily highway is mental. Why? Other people buy heavy suv 4x4 diesel cars and drive like lunatics they decide when you die in a crash

[@alanchillingworth9222]

My wife has a 2019 sz-t i had been driving it for 3 months as my car got written off. This little car impressed me so much that i bought a new 2021 sz-t myself.

[@DamoDrives]

They are a great little town car that seems to go under the radar with people

[@vin-0feb977]

great review! watched it several times and in a few weeks I will be the proud owner of an Ignis myself!

[@DamoDrives]

I am so pleased you enjoyed it and congratulations on your new car 👏

[@carolinetilbury8787]

As soon as I saw this little car I thought yes I'm going to have one of these little Ignis. Probably a good second-hand one because I couldn't afford a new one but this will suit me to the ground. Thank you ever so much for a wonderful presentation. Thank you. 🎉😊👍

[@mmuller2402]

No.. any used smaller old car is better value for money. Parts are imported and buying cheap japanese car is not smart, any used golf (golf plus from old people) is more safer car for same or less cash You get cvt transmission or manual 5 speed😂 and suzuki fired more than half its staff in europes "tech support " so this is dead fish soon.

[@BigJProductions]

Thank you for doing an in-depth review of the backseats. Appreciated.

[@andrewstones2921]

I really like this car, and this is about the best review yet, including the comparison with the pre facelift version. Ive only ever bought three new cars in my life but one of those was a Suzuki swift and it was fabulous, I think its the only car I have ever owned that had absolutely zero problems ever and never needed to have any warranty claims, the other two new cars have been Toyota and despite their reputation for reliability they both needed work under warranty. I have always been a huge fan of Suzuki, and the small hint of the Suzuki SC100 Whizkid in the styling is absolutely great. I was looking for the (not sarcastic) wing mirrors but I can't see any. I can see door mirrors though.

[@DamoDrives]

Glad you enjoyed the review, Suzuki seem to make cars that last and have some of the best customer service in the country

[@oddities-whatnot]

I had a 69 plate Swift boosterjet, it was a great handling car but sadly I just couldnt get comfortable no matter how I adjusted the seat or wheel etc. Main thing was I just didnt feel anything for it whatsoever so I got a Cooper S instead. Long story but ended up with a 65 plate Subaru Impreza hatchback. Solid and capable in all weathers plus I am a big fan of boxer engines. I actually nearly bought a new Ignis awd hybrid a few months ago but turned it down only because it was a 6 month wait cos of the chip shortage. Tested one and it was excellent, the 1.2 engine sort of growled and it picked up very well with the electric motor plus felt more planted with the extra weight of the awd system.

[@meljen8592]

Nice comprehensive review,top marks.

[@DamoDrives]

Thank you, Glad you enjoyed it

[@maramac42]

Thank you. Good, clear review! 🙂

[@ErwinEffinger]

Have it now about 3 Years, over 60.000 km. Highest trim Level, 5 gear. Great Micro-SUV.

[@darrenrichards7978]

I have a 2017 model,,love it !,best car i ever bought

[@DamoDrives]

Such a great value for money car

[@darrenrichards7978]

@@DamoDrives think one thing that should be highlighted-one thing i was looking for was a car that has a cd player,which most makes don't have now,the cd player in the Ignis is hidden behind the screen,the screen tilts to reveal it..and it's amazing on petrol

[@DamoDrives]

I never saw that on the car , thanks for sharing that

[@Maisemore]

@@darrenrichards7978 No it doesn't...

[@darrenrichards7978]

@@Maisemore yes it does.you liar

[@Cheesemaker-o2v]

Just bought one, we’ll see how it goes.

[@joe80ss]

Just ordered one for the misses got to admit looks gorgeous and not a bad ride. Cheap too.

[@DamoDrives]

They are really good value for money , well built and does everything you want a car to do 😊. Have you got a delivery date

[@joe80ss]

@@DamoDrives unfortunately no delivery date as of yet, as u know chip shortages has effected the whole market only bought 2 weeks ago hoping by the end of January to pick up. Think I'm more excited about it than the misses, I drive Ateca Fr buy always preferred smaller motors.

[@DamoDrives]

If it’s anything like my mrs all cars are the same and just go from a to b lol. Think I have driven each model in the seat range, Arona is probably the closest but more expensive

[@joe80ss]

@@DamoDrives yea she actually did choose the sz5 ignis with a little help from me. It's very unique. Great review by the way totally agree. The only thing I would say when I test drove it was that I found the manual biting point slightly awkward for my liking but that's something you just get use to I believe. As for my ateca Fr i bought it out of necessity but in a couple of years might downsize and yes the Arona face-lift model looks really nice. Keep up the good work.

[@DamoDrives]

Thanks for the kind words, really struggling with the channel at the minute but could the time of year. Happy Xmas and enjoy the car

[@phil8437]

I think Suzuki cars represent the best value for money in the UK market. When you consider that they always top reliability surveys, are very safe, loaded with kit and well made for the price you pay. When I change my car it will be a Suzuki. No other make comes close overall.

[@DamoDrives]

I agree and they really are a brand that does not get enough credit. I think if you asked someone for a car manufacturer Suzuki would not be in the list (Suzuki s-cross video is coming out this evening if you are interested)

[@phil8437]

@@DamoDrives Thanks for that I will have a look and subscribe to your channel

[@DamoDrives]

Much appreciated for the support

[@MySammyboy1]

I’ve had a Suzuki alto from new, it’s the most reliable car I’ve ever owned, I will be replacing it this year with the ignis.

[@DamoDrives]

Great choice and hope the video helps you :)

[@parvispooyan9178]

Great review ... it's really a cool car.

[@DamoDrives]

Thank you glad you enjoyed the review

[@blurayffan66]

I'd like to know how it compares to other city cars such as the VW Up! How is the safety/crash rating score? The cutout in the dash looks like it could possibly hold a small fold up umbrella? Interesting and fun looking little car!

[@DamoDrives]

For me at the minute is sourcing other city cars like the 1 mentioned. Umbrella is a good shout 👏

[@gaufrid1956]

When my adult son eventually replaces the Suzuki Alto he bought brand new in 2012, he is going to buy an Ignis. The ground clearance of 180mm is an important factor. The Alto has 150mm ground clearance and it requires a special technique not to bottom on the entry to the steep driveway where he lives. Other small cars have a ground clearance of only 140mm (some even only 120mm). I wonder if you can put a sausage roll in that dash depression?

[@DamoDrives]

I did not think of a sausage roll test but might be a bit messy, maybe just a saveloy as it would not get crumbs all over the place 🧐. My modified mini has the worlds lowest ground clearance and getting over speed bumps can be fun

[@gaufrid1956]

@@DamoDrives I didn't think of a saveloy mate! Low ground clearance looks great, has advantages for aerodynamics, but is impractical for a daily drive!

[@donfinley975]

Gears are probably not changing because it's a CVT. I own one back here in Trinidad and it gives great performance. 0 to 100km in about 9.8 seconds

[@kroks06]

why the pedal shifter then? ;)

[@donfinley975]

@@kroks06 alot of automatic transmissions including CVTs have paddle shifters to give the user the feel of a manual,but in CVT it justs changes the sound of the engine by manipulating revs

[@Maisemore]

It's a stepped CVT with set gear ratios

[@danielesalvigni]

It is a continuos transmission but with stepped ratio it becomes like a normal gears shift

[@andrewstones2921]

@@donfinley975 Yes thats exactly right. Most people who own a CVT with paddle shift just leave it in D all the time as the stepped CVT thing is not the same as actual gears and get annoying.

[@spankeyfish]

The one thing I don't like about the new Ignis is that you can only get 4x4 transmission with the top spec, the other is chrome but there's styling options that get rid of it.

[@emmetcraig828]

Hello from Ireland Damo !Thanks for great reviews...Mitsubishi Space Star has a CD player (2021) I think.

[@DamoDrives]

Welcome to the channel and thank you for your kind words 😊😊

[@howardbowen-RC-Pilot]

Thanks thats useful. I have one arriving in 5weeks. And its the auto.

[@DamoDrives]

Glad the video was useful and hopefully enjoyable as well. Did you not have the chance to drive an auto ?

[@howardbowen-RC-Pilot]

No. Dealer didn't have an Auto. We originally owned a 2017 ignis AGS car ok but the AGS was an issue. Swapped it for a Swift 1litre turbo auto. Which I prefer but its my wife's car. She loved the Ignis. So when the dealer phoned and asked to buy our Swift...she wanted an Ignis back. So I was very pleased its a cvt and more so to hear something positive about it.

[@DamoDrives]

I hope you enjoy the new car when it arrives,

[@howardbowen-RC-Pilot]

Cheers, should be beginning of Nov. We chose Khaki pearl colour.

[@BigJProductions]

I have a theory for the dashboard hole. Its for holding the end of lengths of wood on your way back for the hardware store. but that's just theory, a CAR theory! hehe

[@theWALLofWOLFSTREET]

How was it in the motorway?too much noise?was it reving too much at motorway speeds?120-130 klm?was the consumption much higher at that speeds?

[@DamoDrives]

It was ok at motorway speeds, obviously a bit more noise than some cars due to the light weight and the relatively high sides. I did not have the car for long enough to test mpg on motorways I’m afraid

[@TheThebrocks]

Was interested until I saw with CVT its 18k ! Up GTI 5 door can be had for 16.5k. Suzuki are pricing themselves out of the market.

[@danielesalvigni]

up is with a Manual transmission: U might compare it with the Manual Suzuki version.

[@markwhite190]

Omg your parking in the supermarket lol...

[@DamoDrives]

trying to get the car in shot for the video and would never leave it like that lol

[@Daisy-my5bn]

Hi! What's the name of the color of this Ignis? Is it coral red maybe?

[@ぺーりんぐ]

ファーベントレッドですね。it'safarbentred

[@juliasomerville6034]

This looks what I'm looking for, do you think it's better than a Fiat Panda automatic?

[@DamoDrives]

I am not sure about the Panda but what I can say is the reliability and customer experience with Suzuki is 1 of the best in the country

[@marklightfoot8900]

Julia, I've had a fiat panda 4x4 cross on order for 7 months now, I was informed yesterday it likely wouldn't be here for at least another 12 months, if at all, seems like fiat now owned by stellantis are undecided on its future, as the new shape is imminent. I cancelled my order and pick up my ignis sz5 in 2 weeks. I took one out for a test drive and it ticks all the boxes I want, probably in honesty better than the panda.

[@arranallsebrook]

Which model is that one? I can't seem to find a model online with the flappy paddles

[@DamoDrives]

ignis SZ-T automatic, are you thinking of buying one ?

[@riezan]

What is "high 50s" when talking about fuel consumption?

[@DamoDrives]

Between 55-60 but you need to drive sensibly to get that

[@riezan]

@@DamoDrives Hahah...Still dont get it. Is that an approx 50 km / liter ?

[@DamoDrives]

Used google and it said 3.92 litres per 100 kilometres

[@reza6428]

@@DamoDrives thats a very good average fuel consumptiom for a small suv!

[@andrewstones2921]

This is a UK review of a UK model so he's talking about mpg (Miles per UK Gallon), it gets more confusing for our international friends as a UK gallon is more than a US gallon. High 50's would mean more than 55 mpg, and a UK gallon is approx 4.5 litres, so better than 12.3 miles per litre. Converting this to km/L is more than my brain can handle. I had the same confusion when I moved from UK where we used MPG to a country where they quoted km/l and it confused the hell out of me.. just know that the the Suzuki is very economical compared to a regular petrol car, typical for a light hybrid, but not as good on fuel in mixed driving as say a Prius. I own a light Hybrid myself (Honda) as as I do next to no city driving I find the trade off between lower price and city economy to be good. Autos are not as good on fuel economy as a manual version of the same car, in theory, but that very much depends on how you drive them. Drivers of automatics (myself included) tend to drive more gently and that helps of course. It's my opinion ( based on experience) that if you buy a Suzuki and care for it well, be meticulous about the servicing and be gentle with it and have a fair amount of mechanical sympathy that it's entirely possible that after 10 years and 100,000 miles for it to look and drive like new and have no noticeable wear. The key is correct service as per the handbook and not cutting any corners. If your idea of a service is an oil change and you only change the brakes when you hear metal to metal contact then this does not apply!

[@ЉубоМилосављевић]

❤🌹

[@ronb8302]

high Bread

[@DamoDrives]

Opposite to low roll

[@putriwahyupancawardani5290]

Allahumma sholli'ala Muhammad wa'ala ali Muhammad

[@DamoDrives]

Sorry i do not understand the comment but thank you for watching

[@jimmyw7530]

Absolutely atrocious job of parking! The fence may have been in the way of the cameraman, but you would have done better to move locations than publish that effort!

[@DamoDrives]

Not cameraman just me and I had setup the camera before and drove up , not possible to pack any other way just were I had placed the tripod (smoke an mirrors as I did not stay there for more than 2 minutes)

[@jimmyw7530]

@@DamoDrives Fair enough, the car is so tiny I guess it made it more noticeable. It was a good review overall, you did the cheap and cheerful Suzuki justice. I wish they would sell the hybrid version here in Australia.

[@vanitsharma1987]

It looks like small car

[@DamoDrives]

It looks small but has a surprising amount of room.

[@leoseries]

Wing mirrors? Giving your age away! You meant DOOR mirrors old chap!

[@DamoDrives]

45 and proud lol,

[@leoseries]

@@DamoDrives Old enough to remember wing mirrors eh? BTW I drive an Ignis!