Suzuki IGNIS final three cars in new Urban Car Category of the 2017 World Car of the Year.

Vehicles had to be less than four metres long, suitable in design for daily use in an urban environment and on sale across two continents by deadline of Spring 2017 in order to qualify for the initial judging stages. At 3.70 metres in length, the IGNIS Mini Crossover qualified and was shortlisted earlier this year.

Mike Rutherford, World Car of the Year – UK Vice-Chair – reported: “Suzuki has seen off many rival manufacturers from all corners of the globe to become a 2017 World Car finalist. As our 70-plus jurors have decided and I have long suspected, Suzuki builds some of the finest small cars on the market – thus its official position as a finalist from the initial group of eight of which two were Suzuki models, IGNIS and Baleno. IGNIS was voted into the shortlist of five in January and now its through to the final three. The company may yet go on to lift the World Urban Car trophy at the New York International Motor Show on April 13^th.”

The All-New IGNIS was first launched in the Japanese domestic market, unveiled for Europe at the Paris Motor Show last autumn and put up for sale in January 2017. In addition to its stylish appeal it features excellent visibility, compact dimensions and a spacious cabin with ample luggage space. This model continues to be very popular and high in demand with customers within the UK generating sales of more than 1,500 already since January.

The SZ5 model provides the latest in safety technology with stereo cameras monitoring the distance between the vehicle and other objects. This new technology is the current basis for three advanced functions: Dual Camera, Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Weaving Alert. Also offering optional Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) technology lowering CO2 emissions to 97g/km.