Suzuki Ignis Estate (2000 - 2008) 1.3 GL 5d (2001/X) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I am the impecunious love child of Victor Meldrew and Christine Keeler. I am a milddle-aged fart, but clinging on to a certain, very limited savoir-fair. Men think I'm an arse, but women.......(probably).

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Wife likes it. Daughter likes it. Son hides his embarressment well since it won't do 195mph and is yellow. Don't care about the rest.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. As an urban petrol runaround, it does the job and isn't a Fiesta or Corsa.

What are you likely to buy next?

No idea. Depends on whether I need a town or long-distance car. Would buy a Fabia Vrs again in an instant if the latter. If the former, the Ignis is great.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£800

When did you buy the car?

March 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

OK. No haggle-room. Dealer probably only made £50 on the sale.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Cheap. Looks good. Sturdy. Good reputation for reliability. Room for children and dog around town.

What was the dealer like?

Backstreet, amateurish, but polite.

What's it like to drive?

Odd. On a good road, handles like a jacked-up Mk 2 Golf Gti (I know because I've owned some). High driving position and height of car do not overly detract from cornering experience. 1.3 engine is a gem. Quiet at idle but ready to rev hard and accelerate well (my last car was a Fabia VRs so I have a fairly high benchmark with which to compare). At 5000RPM it sounds great. It's only 900kg, so it feels like a pocket rocket or an old-school hot hatch, although it has that 16V wheezyness if you change too early or select too high a gear - there is little torque to speak of. It will drive in town at 30mph in 4th gear as long as you are willing to potter. That certainly helps the MPG. However, the suspension is pretty awful on urban roads (read potholes). Crashes and bangs over holes and speed-b

What's it like to park?

Easy. Very light PAS. Can stall engine engaging reverse.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Various things already wrong when I bought it (passenger window motor and seal, 1 rear speaker faulty, no aerial, shock absorbers, no service history). That was why it was cheap. Nothing that I can't sort out.

What's most practical about your car?

Very comfortable seats. The dog can see out of the rear window. Best cup holders of any car ever. Very practical and hard-wearing interior. Large boot for size of car when the seats are down. Roof bars. Fair few of these in scrap yards so parts not too hard to find.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cup holders and knee-level storage tray. They are great. My wants are few!