Suzuki Ignis AllGrip, the Modern Panda 4x4

Starting from €18,810, the compact city car with four-wheel drive adopts the philosophy of lightweight introduced in 1983 by the Panda 4×4.

Everyone has seen its videos where cheeky little Fiat Panda 4×4 outperforms large Range Rovers on winding, icy alpine roads. Unfortunately, the Italian microcar is no longer available in the catalog and has given way to one of its closest rivals philosophically, the quirky Suzuki Ignis.

At the Japanese manufacturer, we are all fans of the small Jimny 4×4, but it is no longer sold in France due to pollution standards that would make it prohibitively expensive. Therefore, the first “everyday” 4×4 offer is this little Ignis in allgrip trim.

Equipped with its 1.2-liter Dualjet micro-hybrid engine producing 83 horsepower, it starts at €18,810 (Privilege trim), which is €3,420 more than the two-wheel-drive version (€15,390 in Advantage trim). The standard color is exotic Orange Flame Pearl, while all other colors (eight options) are offered at a fixed price of €540. As for the ecological penalty, with 121 g CO2/km, it amounts to €125 in 2024.

However, in the Privilege trim, the price difference between two and four-wheel drive drops to €1,500, which is quite reasonable.

The four-wheel drive system activates only when necessary and without the driver noticing; it automatically transfers torque to the rear wheels as soon as it detects a loss of traction on the front wheels. The ALLGRIP system allows for genuine 4×4 capabilities while consuming less fuel.

The Suzuki Ignis Hybrid also features a traction control system that can be activated via a switch on the center console. It operates up to 30 km/h when a wheel slips, controlling traction by redirecting engine torque to the opposite wheel with more grip. The Allgrip version also includes descent control assist, which limits speed to around 10 km/h, similar to high-end 4×4 models.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid AllGrip
Transmission: 4-wheel drive
Gearbox: Manual, 5-speed
Number of doors: 5
Length: 3700 mm
Width: 1690 mm
Height: 1595 mm
Power: 83 hp
Torque: 107 Nm
Combined cycle (l/100km): 5.4
CO2 emissions: 121 g/km

The Suzuki Ignis Allgrip offers a level of finish and reliability that surpasses recent iterations of the Fiat Panda 4×4. Inside, the build quality is solid, and the sliding rear seat allows for cargo space to vary from 267 to 501 liters.

A large 7-inch digital screen also modernizes the interior. The Allgrip version starts with the Privilege trim, which includes very appreciated features such as:

16-inch alloy wheels
Active emergency braking
Roof rails
De-icing exterior mirrors
Multimedia system
Tinted rear windows and tailgate
Wheel arch extension
Automatic headlight activation
Air conditioning
Power steering
Electric front windows
Front heated seats
Rearview camera

Ultimately, if you live in regions still “hostile” to winter conditions or are distant from paved roads, this small Suzuki Ignis seems like a great offer.