Suzuki has released official images of its Japanese-spec 2020 Ignis ahead of the unveiling of the new-look budget car/small crossover in India, where the cars whichare sold in South Africa are produced. It's been confirmed that the facelifted version will be heading for Mzansi soon…

Late last year, Cars.co.za reported Suzuki South Africa had introduced special editions of its Ignis and Swift, the former in 1.2 GL and 1.2 GLX guises, to the market. And now that a facelifted version is coming, it makes sense that the Japanese firm sweetened the deal on pre-facelift derivatives before the 2020-spec cars went into production.

The standard version (which we know as the 1.2 GL derivative) will probably resemble this orange example.

Although we haven’t seen the new look Indian-spec Ignis, Suzuki has published these images of its JDM model, replete with a new grille design with 4 four vertical chrome slots that replace the previous version’s horizontal bar. It's been reported that thisgrille treatment will feature on all derivatives.

At the back, a new fully-colour-coded rear bumper replaces the current model's broad strip of black plastic. Most of these images depict the new MF grade that features SUV-inspired design elements such as purposeful-looking light grey bumper accents (front and rear), black plastic cladding around the wheel arches, subtle side skirts and roof rails. The rear treatment of the MF grade looks slightly different too, with red trapezoidal lenseshoused in recesses on either end of the bumper.

Could the higher-spec versions sport these crossover-style bumpers, in addition to black wheel-arch trims and roof rails?

The MF grade Ignis utilises a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol mated with a CVT and a mild-hybrid system, which almost certainly won’t be offered in South Africa, and don’t hold your breath for the introduction of AWDversions either. What this MF grade does show, however, is what the facelifted model’s GLX spec will probably look like.

As for the interior execution, expect the cabin materials and trim to be upgraded; perhaps the GLX derivatives will sport a similar metallic-look backing strip on the dashboard as well as tasteful chrome-look accents on the vents and climate control switchgear. The light/dark contrast interior with coloured grip handles and a floating Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible touchscreen infotainment system (including reverse-view camera) should again feature on the top-spec derivative/s.

Whether this light-grey bumper garnish makes it to the local version or not, the broad black strip of the current version is history.

In Japan, the Ignis comes very highly equipped, with features such as automatic headlights with follow-me-home function, heated front seats, autonomous emergency braking, a surround-view camera system and lane departure warning. Affordability is foremost in mind for the South African market, however, so keyless entry and start, climate control, the aforementioned infotainment system and electric folding side mirrors are likely to be main luxury features of the facelifted Ignis range.

Expect the 61 kW/113 Nm 1.2-litre petrol motor (mated with a 5-speed manual or automated manual automatic transmission) to be carried over. Dual front airbags and ABS with EBD will be fitted, but it would be great if we could get 16-inch alloys and electronic stability control too (here's hoping).

Note the addition of smart metallic trim accents to the dashboard, climate control console and ventilation outlets…

Once Suzuki South Africa has introduced the S-Presso budget crossover in the local market (the launch is imminent), the Japanese firm willhave a quartet of affordable small (as opposed to compact) cars, including the Celerio, Swift and Ignis.The upcoming S-Presso, however, will sit below the Celerio and Ignis;it will compete with the Renault Kwid and Mahindra KUV100 Nxt.

The facelifted Ignis will arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of 2020 and as always, we will keep you informed as soon as local specification and pricing details are confirmed.

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