Suzuki Ignis AGS

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Sat 29 Aug 2020 18:42
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver

OK, well first off, i love the looks of the Ignis, have done since they first came out. So there was always an appeal there despite the the gearbox on the auto version.

But there was no way i was going to go for one without experiencing first hand just how bad or otherwise the single clutch automated manual was. Nothing doing at the local Suzuki dealer, as well as there not being any available for a test drive, i was actually told we may not get one anyway due to the iminent (temporary) withdrawal of an auto Ignis. Through a combination of coincidence and luck i managed to get a test drive in a year old Ignis AGS which popped up at a local used car dealer.

Two things kept on popping up on owners reviews of cars with this type of gearbox (not neccessarily a Suzuki). Delayed reaction when pulling away and jerky gearchanges. After the (admittedly fairly short) test drive, the former didn't seem to be an issue at all, the latter nothing like as bad as i'd feared.

A good poke and prod around a manual Ignis in the showroom convinced me that in all other respects it would suit our needs perfectly. It is (slightly) narrower than the Jazz, much shorter, (it really is a very small car!), but at the same time offers up a mind boggling amount of space for the (two) rear seat passengers. Honestly, four six foot (plus) adults could fit in this tiny car easily!. So we managed to order one back in March (what we were told was the last red AGS in the country), and after a delay due to covid, picked the car up about six weeks ago.

So to drive, as mentioned before, pulling away into traffic is absolutely fine. The gearchanges themselves are pretty slow, but driving 'normally' is no problem at all. The longest journey so far has been about 40 miles, so yet to find out how it will cope going down to youngest offspring in Glasgow, or indeed how it fares at the national speed limit. Taking SWMBO out for her first run in it, i went along this winding B road, here the gearbox wasn't so good, at least not left to its own devices. We'd approach a slow speed corner and the gearbox wouldn't do anything till we'd got round it, whereupon a ponderous downchange would take place before we got back up to speed. Not ideal, even if not in a hurry(!). So if i happen to be on a road like that in future, i'll be using the manual control to get the car into a lower gear before the corner, this would make progress much more satisfactory. As to the actual performance, that is how fast it feels, very nippy actually. It only has 89bhp granted, but it only weighs about 850kg so its power to weight ratio is none too shabby (though the gearbox will limit just how effectively that can be exploited!). As said, i haven't had the opportunity to take it to 70mph yet, but as it only has five gears, it is likely to be pulling at least 3000rpm. This may seem worse than the Jazz, but i think i'd rather have a steady engine speed than the revs jumping al over the place at the least sniff of a hill!. Of course i may come to change my view on that, watch this space.

Seats are comfy, seating position is better than the Jazz (for me). It has Apple CarPlay and Android auto (our Jazz didn't) but no CD player (boo!). The heating and ventilation controls are physical, completely seperate from the infotainment, and very easy to use. The Jazz's were seperate from the main touchscreen but were still touch operated and not that easy to use on the move. One feature i am very pleased at is the fact that the two face level vents at either corner of the dashboard seem to be seperate from the climate control settings and always blow cold (they can be closed). The other two face level vents blow at whatever temperature climate is set at, but you could, for example, have climate set to blow warm air into the footwell and at the windscreen, but have cold air blowing on your face. I can't remember any of our previous cars having this ability and will certainly come in handy once the cold weather returns. The two rear seats slide back and fore independantly, this can be done from the rear seats via levers on the front of the base or from the boot via levers on the top of the seat backs. With the seats forward, the boot has a volume of 260 litres, very impressive for the size of car, and with the seats slid back, it is big enough for our weekly shop (now its just me and SWMBO).

Footnote:

One of the things i found most irritating about the Ignis having the automated manual, was the fact that in other markets (Australia and Japan to name two) the Ignis auto has a CVT which, after the Jazz, i'd much rather have. I kind of understand it with the VW Up for example as VW only do automated manuals. But i find it very annoying that not only do Suzuki offer other markets a better auto option, but those markets are RHD like the UK (so no potentially costly re-engineering to get the steering wheel on the other side). I also found it odd that Suzuki didn't offer the mild hybrid setup on the Ignis AGS (only the manual), surely that would have helped fill in the gaps left by the gearbox?. Anyway, looking at the specs of the facelifted Ignis today (I don't think it is actually on sale yet, but it is iminent), guess what?, the auto version is now CVT and comes with the mild hybrid!, grr!. Still, at least i know what we will be getting next (assuming we still like everything else about it after three years!).

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Sat 29 Aug 2020 19:08
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Alby Back
My father in law has a ( coincidentally ) red Ignis he bought new in 2017. His is a manual and he loves it. It replaced his aging Fiesta, but despite being shorter, he can get his golf clubs in it much easier he says. Must be those clever back seats. I'm no fan of sitty uppy cars really, but he is 84 and mil is 80 and they find the taller car easier to get in and out of, while my 20 year old son and his girlfriend think it's kind of funky, so it would seem to have a wide appeal.

I think they are pretty cool too! Enjoy !
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Sat 29 Aug 2020 19:31
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver

I think they are pretty cool too! Enjoy !

Thanks!

Forgot to mention, but i was at B&Q the other day and put a dozen 8' lengths of 1.5" x 1.5" wood in it!.

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Sat 29 Aug 2020 20:03
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Alby Back
That has just reminded me of one of those moments in life when you mustn't laugh, but are aching to. Same father in law, many years ago had a Citroen AX, now if you remember, the tailgate on those was mostly glass. I went with him to B&Q to buy wood and he insisted on driving in his car, even though I had a Volvo 940 estate at the time.

Wood bought, and stashed in the AX, it stretched from the dash to the back of the car. I could see that the wood was slightly longer than would allow the tailgate to shut, but before I could stop him, he slammed the back door down, destroying the entire tailgate and cracking the front windscreen. What remained of the tailgate was now on B&Q's car park.

You know when, for example at school, you know that if you laugh it won't end well, but your whole body is in spasm?

Yeah... ;-)
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Sat 29 Aug 2020 20:21
Suzuki Ignis AGS - mcb100
Have you ridden in the back yet (unlikely, I know)? Back when it was launched, the ride quality for rear seat passengers was horrific, but I believe the rear springs have been softened in the meantime.
I too was amazed at the amount of interior space, certainly longitudinally if not laterally. The lack of width does mean, however that it will fit into a covered trolley shelter in ASDA’s car park.
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Sat 29 Aug 2020 20:30
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver

Have you ridden in the back yet (unlikely, I know)? Back when it was launched, the ride quality for rear seat passengers was horrific, but I believe the rear springs have been softened in the meantime.

I took my parents out in it a few weeks ago, not that far mind, but Mum was in the back and was quite happy with the comfort.

The lack of width does mean, however that it will fit into a covered trolley shelter in ASDA’s car park.

Should i ask how you know that?!

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Sat 29 Aug 2020 20:48
Suzuki Ignis AGS - mcb100
I may have arrived early at my local Suzuki dealership in an Ignis, realised I was seriously early, popped across the road to ASDA to park up, looked at the trolley shelter and wondered if it’d fit...
1drv.ms/u/s!AuMkRafLnOYXgc0Vs0tsT2cVzDAJ7w
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Sat 29 Aug 2020 20:58
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver
I may have arrived early at my local Suzuki dealership in an Ignis, realised I was seriously early, popped across the road to ASDA to park up, looked at the trolley shelter and wondered if it’d fit... 1drv.ms/u/s!AuMkRafLnOYXgc0Vs0tsT2cVzDAJ7w

Love it :-)

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Sat 29 Aug 2020 21:12
Suzuki Ignis AGS - ifekas

One feature i am very pleased at is the fact that the two face level vents at either corner of the dashboard seem to be seperate from the climate control settings and always blow cold (they can be closed). The other two face level vents blow at whatever temperature climate is set at, but you could, for example, have climate set to blow warm air into the footwell and at the windscreen, but have cold air blowing on your face. I can't remember any of our previous cars having this ability and will certainly come in handy once the cold weather returns.

That is a great feature. I think the last car I had that had this was a Rover Metro, but sadly that didn't have the option of air recirculation, let alone a/c! It was great to have the option of cool air blowing on one's face and one's feet nice and warm. I do remember some cars having a 'bi-level' option on the heating in the middle of the stat that did this, but sadly it seems to be a thing of the past with pretty much every other manufacturer.

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Sat 29 Aug 2020 21:21
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Alby Back
Fairly sure my Cortinas did that. Might be wrong, it was a long time ago. Not a/c of course, but I'm sure you could have cold in the middle while you had warm on the screen and on your feet. My Land Rover 90 just had vents to the outside on the dash. Brutally simple but effective.
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Sun 30 Aug 2020 10:29
Suzuki Ignis AGS - John F

but you could, for example, have climate set to blow warm air into the footwell and at the windscreen, but have cold air blowing on your face. I can't remember any of our previous cars having this ability and will certainly come in handy once the cold weather returns.

That is a great feature.

Why? When sitting at home watching TV or having a meal, would you like a fan blowing cold air on your face? I like my car interior to be as warm, comfortable and draught free as my living room. Just low fan speed imperceptible ventilation for me, please.

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 11:43
Suzuki Ignis AGS - corax

but you could, for example, have climate set to blow warm air into the footwell and at the windscreen, but have cold air blowing on your face. I can't remember any of our previous cars having this ability and will certainly come in handy once the cold weather returns.

That is a great feature.

Why? When sitting at home watching TV or having a meal, would you like a fan blowing cold air on your face? I like my car interior to be as warm, comfortable and draught free as my living room. Just low fan speed imperceptible ventilation for me, please.

Having a fug of warm air around the head on a long journey - I can't think of anything worse. That cold air feature is great in conjunction with warm feet which tend to get cold because you're sitting for a long time in one position. I need cold air otherwise I would fall asleep at the wheel. I'm an outdoor worker though, I s'pose everyones different. That's why BMW's and Mercedes systems were good, having the option of cold or warm air throught the same centre vents. Don't know if they still do this.

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 12:50
Suzuki Ignis AGS - RT

but you could, for example, have climate set to blow warm air into the footwell and at the windscreen, but have cold air blowing on your face. I can't remember any of our previous cars having this ability and will certainly come in handy once the cold weather returns.

That is a great feature.

Why? When sitting at home watching TV or having a meal, would you like a fan blowing cold air on your face? I like my car interior to be as warm, comfortable and draught free as my living room. Just low fan speed imperceptible ventilation for me, please.

Ideally, the upper face level vents should be at a lower temperature than the lower foot level vents - perhaps "cold" was the wrong word to use.

I thought this was standard on all cars, certainly all mine have had it since my 1970 Ford Escort

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 13:41
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Trilogy.

but you could, for example, have climate set to blow warm air into the footwell and at the windscreen, but have cold air blowing on your face. I can't remember any of our previous cars having this ability and will certainly come in handy once the cold weather returns.

That is a great feature.

Why? When sitting at home watching TV or having a meal, would you like a fan blowing cold air on your face? I like my car interior to be as warm, comfortable and draught free as my living room. Just low fan speed imperceptible ventilation for me, please.

Being in a moving car isn't the same as sitting an an armchair at home. At one time I wouldn't buy a car unless I could have cold air on my face while having warm air on my feet. Over the years several cars were eliminated from my options list, but then just about every car designer has forced us to have warm feet and face. My 1996 Merc provides both options very nicely.

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Sat 29 Aug 2020 21:29
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Metropolis.
I must admit to having a soft spot for Suzuki, having had experience of a 2.7v6 Auto XL-7 which was whisper quiet at idle and a lovely muscular tone when pushing on, the 5 speed Toyota derived auto on that was excellent. Also an honest as they come 1998 Suzuki Swift which served and exceeded its purpose without fuss. Moving abroad to the Thai market, not sure how familiar you are with the cars over there but there is a class of compact (albeit very roomy as the wheelbases are longer) saloons in the SEA market. King of all of course is the Toyota Vios which is a very competent car and the aircon seems to have come straight from an industrial freezer, then the Honda City usually takes number 2 spot followed by either Nissan Almera (a saloon version) and the Mitsubishi Attrage which i presume is a mixture of attrocious and tragic. The one constantly getting overlooked is the Suzuki Ciaz which is in my opinion the better looking in the segment and having been in all of them, would be the one I would choose given the refinement, and perhaps a soft spot for the underdog.. all the models mentioned in the Thai market are either CVT or conventional automatics not automated manuals. I think the AGS is an Indian market preference for some reason, as Maruti versions of Suzukis tend to be automated manuals and so do Hyundais to my knowledge.

The AGS is an interesting one, I wonder if it was designed in-house from an existing 5-speed or if they got one of the big boys like Getrag to do the automation. A tip, (although you do not seem to be finding it jerky so irrelevant I guess) from the motor home world where the autos tended to be automated manuals be it sprintshift, Fiat comfortmatic etc. was to ease off slightly when it is mid-gearchange, then accelerate again when it is in the next gear. I expect this is more noticeable in a diesel van with the increased nvh and torque characteristics.
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Sun 30 Aug 2020 02:14
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Ethan Edwards

We had an Ignis AGS in 2017 when the current shape came out. Loved the Tardis like space and the cheeky nature. We came too it from a Automatic Aygo also a automated manual. Reason we chopped it in was the ride quality. On the poor quality Essex roads it was noticeably an issue. We swapped it in for the Auto Swift 1 litre turbo. Smoother ride and its Boosterjet engine seduced me with grunt! If only they'd put that into the Ignis ....

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 07:49
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver

Moving abroad to the Thai market, not sure how familiar you are with the cars over there but there is a class of compact (albeit very roomy as the wheelbases are longer) saloons in the SEA market. King of all of course is the Toyota Vios which is a very competent car and the aircon seems to have come straight from an industrial freezer, then the Honda City usually takes number 2 spot followed by either Nissan Almera (a saloon version) and the Mitsubishi Attrage which i presume is a mixture of attrocious and tragic. The one constantly getting overlooked is the Suzuki Ciaz which is in my opinion the better looking in the segment and having been in all of them, would be the one I would choose given the refinement, and perhaps a soft spot for the underdog.

During my research into the Jazz's replacement, i did look at the Mitsubishi Mirage. This was partly through my having some sort of built in mentality which has me supporting the underdog (the motoring press in general would have you believe that the Mirage is the worst car you can buy in the UK!). Thing is, if you dig down into this, it does seem to be the case that nobody acknowledges the major facelift which took place in 2017 (including this website) and apparently addressed the ride and handling issues. So i wasn't convinced the car was anything like as bad as the press would have you believe, and reading owners reviews certainly supports this. But anyway, looking at online video reviews from the USA and Canada, i discovered that a saloon version of the car is available there and its wheelbase is 10cm longer than the (spacious for its size) hatch.

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 10:10
Suzuki Ignis AGS - mcb100
The ride quality was improved from January 2018 with a change of dampers and bump stops. The choppy ride was actually caused by it being softly sprung and under damped in that when it was loaded the car would run out of wheel travel and hit the bump stops.
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Sun 30 Aug 2020 17:18
Suzuki Ignis AGS - ExA35Owner

We are on our second Ignis Allgrip (first one lost an argument with a stone wall). Researched small cars with 4WD for winter conditions here; only had a choice between Ignis and Panda (Jimny a bit too agricultural and in very short supply).The only replacement we could see for the first Ignis was another. Manual, not auto.

Good things - reliable, no problems at all. Reasonable economy. Insurance affordable. Raised seating position improved view for driver and out of side windows too for countryside. Loads of space; rear seat passengers seem comfortable. Infotainment is fine, and using a USB stick is now far preferable to CDs. Reasonable amount of oddment storage. Mild hybrid gives some benefits in access to pollution control zones, not so sure that it saves much fuel. Upright shape means doors are narrower and therefore there's easier access in tight parking places. Good visibility for manoeuvring, reversing camera works well. LED headlights very impressive and don't seem to dazzle the opposition; don't need adjusting for driving on the right.

Irritants - only one 12V socket, could do with one in the boot (and there's clear provision for one in the trim). Intermittent wipe has only one speed. Petrol tank small (because of the rear transaxle) - I suppose it's a benefit because it makes you stop for a rest on a long run). This model only four seats, again because of the 4WD: suits us, but not some folks, I would think. Perfectly OK on motorway, including well above 70mph abroad; at times I fancy a bit more poke for overtaking on A roads, but it does respond if asked! Heater controls are separate and accessible but low down and not very tactile so not the best to adjust while driving (in contract to Mini and Fiesta which I've been driving a lot, for example).

Unsure - not tested it in really 4WD-demanding conditions. Lane-keeping reminder useful on motorway, an annoyance on twisting minor roads so we switch it off most of the time. Collision avoidance/braking - the car has warned us a couple of times but has never over-reacted, so I think it's a good thing. Hill descent control untried. Hill hold control is useful but teaches bad habits on return to a car where you have to do a handbrake hill start.

Keyless access is a pleasure (though a security worry). It won't let you lock the car with a key inside - tried to lock OH's handbag in the boot and the care refused until we worked out why, removed the key from her bag, then the car was happy to lock itself.

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 17:58
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Trilogy.

Suzuki make some great cars - Ignis, Jimny (sadly no longer sold here) and the Swift, a shame the latest on isn't - at least to my eyes - as attractive as two that went before.

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 18:47
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver

Interesting to read your comments ExA35Owner, good to get other owners points of view!.

Glad to hear you've had no complaints about comfort from rear passengers. Its unlikely i'll ever be in there, though my Mother does usually speak her mind, so i'm sure if she didn't like it in the back, she'll say so!.

I wasn't aware the Allgrip had a smaller tank, just 2 litres mind, but in combination with (i'd assume) lower efficiency, it would make a difference. After six weeks, one run of about 40 miles, a couple about 10 and the rest running about town, the trip computer is showing 55mpg. Will see how that pans out over time, but i'm happy with that figure and it is certainly more efficient than the Jazz (so far).

As i mentioned at the start, i find the heating/ventilation controls fine, but that is maybe due to coming from the Jazz and its akward to use (on the move) controls.

Agree about the lane keeping reminder, it is a bit intrusive on some of the country roads round here, but haven't had any experience of the collision warning yet.

BTW, the fact yours has four seats isn't due to the 4wd, it is just that the three seat bench is only available with the most basic SZ3 trim. In other countries you can get an Allgrip with five seats (though as i'm sure you are well aware, the narrowness of the cabin means three on the rear seat would be very cosy indeed!).

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 20:38
Suzuki Ignis AGS - SLO76
I really like these wee cars. They’re small, cheap to run, robust and have bags of character. I wouldn’t pay the latest inflated list prices to get one, you’d lose too much money on it but as a used buy they make great sense under £9000.
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Sun 30 Aug 2020 21:05
Suzuki Ignis AGS - gordonbennet

Where automated manuals really show their issues are close maneuvering, heavy traffic stop starting and moving junctions, the latter where you simply cannot be sure the car will be happy with the gear when you apply throttle again and yes you can take over the gears yourself but then have to ask the question what was the point of an auto if you have to drive the thing yourself.

I recall a conversation with a Citroen sales person once about the dratted things, he assured me they were good on the motorway...yes they would be fine in top gear cruising at 70 no doubt about it.

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 22:11
Suzuki Ignis AGS - dan86

Where automated manuals really show their issues are close maneuvering, heavy traffic stop starting and moving junctions, the latter where you simply cannot be sure the car will be happy with the gear when you apply throttle again and yes you can take over the gears yourself but then have to ask the question what was the point of an auto if you have to drive the thing yourself.

I recall a conversation with a Citroen sales person once about the dratted things, he assured me they were good on the motorway...yes they would be fine in top gear cruising at 70 no doubt about it.

Only time I've had the displeasure of driving a single clutch automatic was the flatbed DAF LF 10 tone truck at work it has a ZF AStronic light gearbox 6 speed automated manual gear box and its a horrid thing, difficult to do slow maneuvering unless you select the tortoise mode on the gear selector even then its jerky and unpredictable, and jerky gear changes and constantly in the wrong gear, the Allison 6 speed in our other vehicles may be less efficient but are so much better to driver.

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Sun 30 Aug 2020 23:09
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Avant

There seems to be a world of difference between the wet-clutch and dry-clutch semi-automatics, in favour of the former which I have in my 2.0 petrol Q2 and also had in one of the Octavia vRSs. It doesn't have any of the undesirable traits that GB lists; and (unlike the TQ automatic that was in my Volvo V60) it doesn't blunt performance and reduce economy.

There must be a reason why smaller VAG cars and others (including, by the sound of it, the otherwise admirable Ignis) have dry-clutch transmissions, but it's probably beyond my technical ability to understand what that reason is.

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 07:36
Suzuki Ignis AGS - dan86

There seems to be a world of difference between the wet-clutch and dry-clutch semi-automatics, in favour of the former which I have in my 2.0 petrol Q2 and also had in one of the Octavia vRSs. It doesn't have any of the undesirable traits that GB lists; and (unlike the TQ automatic that was in my Volvo V60) it doesn't blunt performance and reduce economy.

There must be a reason why smaller VAG cars and others (including, by the sound of it, the otherwise admirable Ignis) have dry-clutch transmissions, but it's probably beyond my technical ability to understand what that reason is.

Its not just dry clutch vs wet clutch but also duel clutch or single clutch automated manual gearbox, a single clutch automatic is basically a manual gearbox with a electronically controlled clutch and gear change mechanism, the duel clutch systems obviously have two clutches but are in basic terms two gearboxes in one thats why they can change gear so fast as they can have the next gear waiting ready for the change.

But you're right wet clutch systems seem to be better than dry clutch types as it helps with taking away heat build up and longlivity of the clutch packs.

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 08:58
Suzuki Ignis AGS - gordonbennet

There seems to be a world of difference between the wet-clutch and dry-clutch semi-automatics, in favour of the former which I have in my 2.0 petrol Q2 and also had in one of the Octavia vRSs. It doesn't have any of the undesirable traits that GB lists; and (unlike the TQ automatic that was in my Volvo V60) it doesn't blunt performance and reduce economy.

My comments were towards single clutch automated manuals, to be fair twin clutch systems for general driving are much better than the single plate, as Dan86 notes.

Dan for your info, AS box has been superceeded and is now called Traxon, its improved in terms of gear choice when needed assuming you drive it in auto, fortunately the clutch engagement for maneuvering is now completely different, as smooth and controllable as the best out there, unfortunately this does not apply to some of our Dafs so fitted, ok when new but after they've seen some work clutch engagement reverts once more to the previous on/off switch operation.

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 09:45
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver

There must be a reason why smaller VAG cars and others (including, by the sound of it, the otherwise admirable Ignis) have dry-clutch transmissions, but it's probably beyond my technical ability to understand what that reason is.

TBH Avant, i don't think there is anything other than cost going on there. For the smallest category of car with the smallest profit margin along with (usually) not that much power, you have the single clutch automated manual, the cheapest option. For supermini's and 'small family cars' (Golf etc) you get the dual clutch automated manual with the dry clutch, next cheapest (automated manual) option. Then for the bigger and more powerful cars you have the wet clutch version, more able to deal with the extra power and more importantly torque.

Bigger question to me is why these flawed transmissions are being persisted with full stop, certainly on cars like the Golf and its VAG siblings. The fact that other manufacturers (with the notable exception of Hyundai/Kia) have reverted back to modern t/c auto's suggest that there is no major problem meeting emissions regulations (traditionally, t/c auto's are thirsty and inefficient). So for VAG i don't know, pride maybe?, arrogance (turning away from automated manuals would be akin to admitting they were wrong)?. Also, maybe that fact that, VW anyway, are putting all their eggs in the electric basket*, which of course means a gearbox is not actually needed.

*Reading an interview with a VW head honcho the other day, apparently VW are not planning to develop any new combustion engines beyond the late 2020's.

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 10:39
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Trilogy.

Also, maybe that fact that, VW anyway, are putting all their eggs in the electric basket*, which of course means a gearbox is not actually needed.

*Reading an interview with a VW head honcho the other day, apparently VW are not planning to develop any new combustion engines beyond the late 2020's.

Unfortunately, complete EVs aren't the solution.

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 10:57
Suzuki Ignis AGS - mcb100

I love driving Suzuki products - they're not pretentious, pretending to be something they're not, with a terrific dealer network with a lot of very good family owned dealers.

I tend to find the seats a little short in the cushion (I'm not a giant at just over six feet), and you accept that the plastics aren't up to the standards of other Japanese cars. They're well equipped, early adopters of LED headlights, active cruise control and Apple CarPlay in their segments, and reliable.

Their marketing strategy of having two cars in each segment (one a rational buy, one an emotional purchase) didn't seem to have worked, and it has been the rational cars that have been dropped - Celerio and Baleno.

Swift Sport is a hoot to drive (haven't driven the latest Hybrid one yet), capable of very good progress along twisties, and it'll be interesting to see how the dealer network adapts to the Across when it catapults them into new territory.

I still do have, however, the occasional flashback to having done 1000 miles in a Celerio before Autocar discovered that the brake pedal could decouple under emergency braking...

Edited by mcb100 on 31/08/2020 at 11:05

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 14:35
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Avant

If Suzuki are going to sell the Across against the mechanically identical RAV-4, they'll either have to undercut it or offer the same 5-year warranty as Toyota do.

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 14:45
Suzuki Ignis AGS - mcb100

They're also slightly different configurations in that Across will be a plug-in Hybrid, whereas the RAV4 upon which it is based sticks with Toyota's Self Charging Hybrid (at least for the moment). Suzuki trade off boot volume for increased electric only range.

Edited by mcb100 on 31/08/2020 at 14:49

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 15:52
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Trilogy.

If Suzuki are going to sell the Across against the mechanically identical RAV-4, they'll either have to undercut it or offer the same 5-year warranty as Toyota do.

A car to buy if you never have to look at it from the outside.

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 16:56
Suzuki Ignis AGS - gordonbennet

A car to buy if you never have to look at it from the outside.

That goes for many makes now, particularly the fashion for great ugly grills and pretend air intakes at the front, headlights that reach almost to the A pillar and the new must have, multiple fake exhausts at the rear, getting to the point expecting these joke cars to stop with a loud bang all the doors fall off and 4 clowns spill out over the floor.

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Mon 31 Aug 2020 17:34
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Trilogy.

GB, I think there's a competition between manufacturers to see who can make the biggest grille coupled with ugliest car. The gaping grille of some cars is now the whole of the front. Come back Ford Scorpio, all is forgiven.

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Wed 2 Sep 2020 03:32
Suzuki Ignis AGS - expat

GB, I think there's a competition between manufacturers to see who can make the biggest grille coupled with ugliest car. The gaping grille of some cars is now the whole of the front.

I suspect that the designers are trying to make the car look aggressive. If you have one of those you should glue sharks teeth round the aperture. That would complete the look.

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Tue 1 Sep 2020 00:07
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Avant

Toyota are about to introduce a plug-in RAV-4, which is what the Across will be competing with.

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Tue 1 Sep 2020 07:28
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Trilogy.

The Suzuki is aptly named, certainly looks Cross about it.

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Wed 15 Mar 2023 18:41
Suzuki Ignis AGS - KB.

A couple of years on....

My simple question relates to the latest incarnation of the Vitara. In FULL hybrid form.

It says it comes with an AGS transmission. (is it a JATCO? ... if so I understand they've had their disasters along the way).

(and whilst I'm at it I might as well ask what type of automatic do Vitaras in MILD hybrid have?

I'm asking, simply, ... what exactly is the Suziki AGS as fitted in the Vitara.

Youtube gives me loads of Indian videos which give me the impression it's an automated manual system similar to that in, say, the ICE versions of the VW UP. That is to say a manual box with some gubbins literally bolted on top which does the gear changing. I didn't like the one in the VW Up and would ask if this one is any different.

I believe the current automatic Ignis still has a CVT?? And I don't know what automatic Swifts have in them.... but I'm mainly interested to know if an automatic/full hybrid is the sort of thing that would prove satisfactory or not. For the record I still have a Skoda with a dry DSG in it.

Edited by KB. on 15/03/2023 at 19:05

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Wed 15 Mar 2023 19:15
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver

A couple of years on....

My simple question relates to the latest incarnation of the Vitara. In FULL hybrid form.

It says it comes with an AGS transmission. (is it a JATCO? ... if so I understand they've had their disasters along the way).

(and whilst I'm at it I might as well ask what type of automatic do Vitaras in MILD hybrid have?

I'm asking, simply, ... what exactly is the Suziki AGS as fitted in the Vitara.

Youtube gives me loads of Indian videos which give me the impression it's an automated manual system similar to that in, say, the ICE versions of the VW UP. That is to say a manual box with some gubbins literally bolted on top which does the gear changing. I didn't like the one in the VW Up and would ask if this one is any different.

I believe the current automatic Ignis still has a CVT?? And I don't know what automatic Swifts have in them.... but I'm mainly interested to know if an automatic/full hybrid is the sort of thing that would prove satisfactory or not. For the record I still have a Skoda with a dry DSG in it.

Yes, the Ignis is currently still CVT, but AFAIK all other Suzuki's now use the AGS which is a single clutch automated manual.

A DCT, like your Skoda is a dual clutch automated manual. So in theory, near instant gear changes as the second clutch has the next gear ready to go. Not so with an AGS, the gear changes are never quick, even if you take manual control.

By all means have a test drive to see how you find it (ideally encompassing a multi storey car park and a twisty country road), but after having had our Ignis AGS for more than 2.5 years now I couldn't recommend anything with an AGS.

Edited by badbusdriver on 15/03/2023 at 19:16

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Wed 15 Mar 2023 20:30
Suzuki Ignis AGS - KB.

Oh dear.

I had to re-read your last sentence to make sure you'd said you could NOT recommend it.

I rather suspected an AGS had to be a single clutch (as per the VW UP I mentioned) .. but couldn't believe they'd fit one of those in a Vitara, I could just about imagine one in a small car like the Ignis - (but had thought that they'd stuck a CVT in it. - perhaps they have and your AGS was from the earlier generation.)

They used to put proper transmissions in Vitaras, right up until quite recently.

I saw that they connect the combined starter / generator on to the drive shafts somehow and say that makes the gearchanges smoother. Obviously I don't know anything about that, but I won't bother looking at one now that you've confirmed the worst.

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Thu 16 Mar 2023 08:06
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver

Oh dear.

I had to re-read your last sentence to make sure you'd said you could NOT recommend it.

I rather suspected an AGS had to be a single clutch (as per the VW UP I mentioned) .. but couldn't believe they'd fit one of those in a Vitara, I could just about imagine one in a small car like the Ignis - (but had thought that they'd stuck a CVT in it. - perhaps they have and your AGS was from the earlier generation.)

They used to put proper transmissions in Vitaras, right up until quite recently.

I saw that they connect the combined starter / generator on to the drive shafts somehow and say that makes the gearchanges smoother. Obviously I don't know anything about that, but I won't bother looking at one now that you've confirmed the worst.

To be fair, maybe the full hybrid system masks the inadequacies of the AGS. Probably be worth trying if you can get a test drive long enough to encompass a multi storey car park (where the Ignis is borderline hazardous) and a twisty country road (where it is never in the right gear). You can take manual control in both circumstances (I only overtake with manual control, because I don't trust the AGS), but the gear changes are never quick and it kind of defeats the point of getting an auto.

When I first became aware of the Vitara and SX4 full hybrid, I wondered if there was some tie up with Toyota as they both use a 1.5 and produce around the same combined power (and if that had been the case, I'd be curious as to why Suzuki didn't use the Toyota's transmission too). But as far as I can find out, it is all Suzuki under the skin.

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Thu 16 Mar 2023 08:50
Suzuki Ignis AGS - Metropolis.
Oh how I miss 4 speed t/c autos with lock up overdrive..
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Thu 16 Mar 2023 09:14
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver
Oh how I miss 4 speed t/c autos with lock up overdrive..

4 speed + overdrive?, my Dad's MK2 Granada had a 3 speed t/c auto :-)

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Thu 16 Mar 2023 09:45
Suzuki Ignis AGS - KB.

I read that there IS some tie up between Suzuki and Toyota but can't raise the enthusiasm to dig deeper.

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Thu 16 Mar 2023 10:01
Suzuki Ignis AGS - badbusdriver

I read that there IS some tie up between Suzuki and Toyota but can't raise the enthusiasm to dig deeper.

Well yes, there is the Across and the Swace which are simply Suzuki badged versions of the RAV and Corolla.

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