Suzuki acts swiftly on Ignis debut

SUZUKI Australia will launch its new Ignis mini-car in October, just days after it is revealed at the Paris Motor Show.

Fundamentally, the Ignis is the new generation Swift launched in Japan last February, in brighter and bulkier clothing.

A four-wheel drive version will be offered and should come to Australia.

Ignis is powered by a new 1.3-litre, 16-valve engine producing 63kW and will come in three and five-door guises.

Equipment levels are yet to be announced but twin airbags, power windows, mirrors and steering could all be part of the package.

Pricing is expected to start in the mid-teens for the base model version.

The chunky "soft-roader" styling package includes roof bars and front fog lamps.

Suzuki is expected to back up the launch of the Ignis by entering international motorsport with a turbocharged 1.6-litre rally car.

It is unknown if the road-going version will make it to Australia.

Suzuki was once a small car sales powerhouse with the Swift, which was discontinued last year.

Suzuki's sales performance has been disappointing this year with 4432 cars and 4WDs sold until the end of August. That is well down on the 1999 total, which was 5272 until the end of August.