Maruti Suzuki Ignis - Is it priced right?

Maruti Suzuki has finally launched the highly-anticipated Ignis today. Prices start at Rs 4.59 lakh for the base Sigma variant and go up to Rs 7.80 lakh for the top-spec Alpha grade (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). The price range in which the Ignis has been launched is home to several other cars including its own siblings. Given the trust and following that the Maruti badge carries, it has always managed to price its products quite well (except for the launch price of the S-Cross).

Launch Video

With the number of Ignis’ bookings going up and waiting periods ranging between 8 to 12 weeks, one thing is for sure - the Ignis definitely has its admirers. However, that was before the prices were revealed. With the prices out, how much of an impact will they make on its bookings is yet to be seen.

Is the variant-wise pricing justified? Or, in other words, has Maruti got it right this time, again? Let’s find out.

The Ignis comes in 11 variants – six petrol and five diesel. Here are their prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

Ignis Variants	Petrol	Diesel
Sigma	Rs 4.59 lakh	-
Delta	Rs 5.19 lakh	Rs 6.39 lakh
Zeta	Rs 5.75 lakh	Rs 6.91 lakh
Alpha	Rs 6.69 lakh	Rs 7.80 lakh
Delta AT	Rs 5.74 lakh	Rs 6.94 lakh
Zeta AT	Rs 6.30 lakh	Rs 7.46 lakh

With dual airbags and ABS+EBD as standard across the lineup, the Ignis is bound to command a premium. Despite that, we feel the starting price of Rs 4.59 lakh is a little expensive, considering the features on offer with the Sigma trim. It gets manual AC, front power windows, speed sensing auto-door locks, a 12V accessory socket and tilt-steering. However, it misses out on useful features like a driver seat height-adjuster, tachometer and wheel covers.

The Delta, on the other hand, is a decently loaded variant. Priced at Rs 5.19 lakh for the petrol and Rs 6.39 lakh for the diesel, it is one of the variants to watch out for as it gets a dual-tone dashboard, a music system plus 2 speakers, rear power windows, rear adjustable headrests and a 60:40 split rear seat. We believe this is the most aptly-priced variant. Another advantage with this trim is that you can have both engines with an automated manual transmission (AMT) as well.

The Zeta is priced at Rs 5.75 lakh for the petrol and Rs 6.91 lakh for the diesel. It too is a well-loaded variant and gets push-button start, electrically folding ORVMs, rear parking sensors, a rear defogger and wiper and 15-inch alloys.

The fully-loaded Alpha version of the Ignis seems to be steeply priced at Rs 6.69 lakh for the petrol and Rs 7.80 lakh for the diesel. You get all the bells and whistles in this variant like LED projector headlamps with DRLs, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment, automatic AC, a rear camera and several others. The Alpha’s pricing is close to the Baleno’s Zeta trim, and while the Baleno will make for a better family car, this particular variant doesn’t get features like the touchscreen infotainment system or high-end headlights of the Ignis Alpha.

As projected by the carmaker, the Ignis is a car for millennials and they have never promoted it as a family car – a stereotype Maruti image that the brand is trying to expand from. If we take that into consideration, the car can be termed as rightly priced, as millennials/young car buyers won’t find it difficult to shell out more if they are getting something distinctive. But overall, if we consider it from the perspective of a family car buyer, then it might raise a few eyebrows of the people who are likely to opt for more value for money cars in its segment.

To sum up, we would say, Maruti Suzuki has kept the prices at a slight premium for the Ignis, but it’s good value for someone who wants something unique.

Source: Cardekho.com