The Suzuki Ignis is not the smartest-looking hatchback out there, but the company is still updating it on a regular basis to keep it from going obsolete. Suzuki unveiled the 2020 Ignis with few cosmetic changes outside and even fewer on the inside and under the hood. A layman won’t be able to differentiate it from the outgoing model, but once you figure out the changes, you’ll be surprised that they were staring in your face all this while.

The Changes Are Subtle, Yet Effective

Firstly, the honeycomb mesh grille with a horizontal line in the middle makes way for a new grille, that’s borrowed from the Vitara Brezza. The latter, of course, also receives a new grille so that both of them don’t wear the same dental braces. The new unit looks very similar to the signature Jeep grille. The bumper has been redesigned, too, and a new faux plate makes its way to give the Ignis an SUV-ish vibe. Suzuki has also added three new metallic shades to the Ignis - Caravan Ivory Pearl, Rush Yellow, and Tough Khaki Pearl

The side profile remains the same, with the 15-inch black wheels carried over as they are. No structural changes have been made here. In fact, even the roof rails and Suzuki triad logo on the C-pillar are carried over. The derriere of the 2020 Ignis, however, has gotten prettier. Previously, a black slab of plastic was slapped onto the bumper that faded with time and looked horrendous.

Fortunately, Suzuki has taken that out of the equation and instead added a faux skid plate here as well. Two vertically-slat reflectors are also seen on either end. Overall, the 2020 Ignis looks a lot better than the model it replaces.

It Is Nearly Identical On The Inside

Inside the cabin, things are familiar in terms of equipment, placement, and ergonomics. Suzuki has offered new interior color combinations, though. Even the instrument cluster is redesigned. The touchscreen infotainment system is upgraded and now displays vital drive-related stats and warnings. It continues to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What's more, you can now have the seats in Grey or Blue upholstery.

Suzuki Has Made A Few Tweaks To The Engine

The power figures are not announced, but it is expected to remain the same. The present model makes 89 horses and the same pound-feet of torque. Suzuki says that the engine now features an electric intake VVT, a variable displacement oil pump, and electric piston cooling jets. Even the mild hybrid system is improved now. The 3-Ah battery is now replaced by a 10-Ah battery, but, it won’t make much of a difference performance-wise.

You can, however, have this engine with a new CVT. Even though the company claims that it will deliver “powerful acceleration performance at low speeds and outstanding fuel efficiency when cruising at high speeds,” CVTs are known to be lousy performers. As long as you are gentle on that A-pedal and not looking for lightning-quick gear shifts, you should be okay.

Conclusion

The 2020 Suzuki Ignis will go on sale in the U.K. in spring this year, and order books will open in April. Prices are not yet announced, but it shouldn’t command a premium of more than a couple of hundred pounds over the current model.