The automobile world is crowded with cars that look similar at times but Suzuki dares to take a completely different route with its Ignis crossover which is slated for launch in 2017.

Most crossover SUVs tend to copy the best features of their competitor. Aspects like cargo space, front fascia and largely spaced seats are common in almost every vehicle. Even the exteriors look alike except for the minor changes brands does so as to distinguish themselves from the crowd. Suzuki has gone the opposite direction with their new Ignis crossover. The car could be considered totally stylish or maybe even ugly. It is totally a matter of perspective.

The brand addresses it as the baby urban chic SUV which stands unique because the rear end is just not there. It has been completely removed while other aspects of the model had been inspired by the Suzuki SC 100 Whizzkid coupe. The surprising factor is that the particular coupe belongs to the 1970s and is making a comeback in the form of the Ignis. The new crossover was launched first at the 2015 Tokyo auto expo. A Ignis Trail concept was also unveiled at the same expo.

In the past, Suzuki addressed its mini crossover as the iM-4 which has now been renamed as the Ignis crossover. It is close to the production version and there won’t be much changes to the car. The model is expected to go on sale in the UK in the first half of 2017 and it may make its appearance in other regions before the end of the same year. The Ignis belongs to the lower end of the Suzuki lineup along with the Celerio. While it could compete against the Fiat Panda 4×4, features are limited and pricing varies that allows Suzuki to avoid competition.

Jimny is the most successful model from the brand which was launched in 1998 and continues to witness amazing sells even in 2016. A new car is scheduled to replace the Jimny. On the inside, the Suzuki Ignis crossover is expected to be powered by a 1.2-liter dualjet petrol engine. The same powertrain is already being used in the Swift lineup. Another optional powertrain will be the 1.0-liter turbocharged boosterjet petrol.

When requested to comment on the possibility of a hybrid and electric powertrain, Suzuki didn’t deny the possibility of any. They probably have planned to go for additional engine variants after the initial launch.