If you really think sensibly, there’s no need for large cars in Singapore.

Our car parks are always crowded, making it a nightmare to navigate in. The lots themselves are rather small and the longest cars out there struggle to fit into them. Our travel distances are short and there isn’t any need to go above 90 km/h.

I think it’s for all of the above reasons that the Suzuki Ignis feels so right for our little island.

Equipped with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a mild hybrid system, the car is effortlessly frugal no matter how you try to make it not. It makes 80 hp and 107 Nm but for such a light car like the Ignis (890 kg), it will feel quite peppy. Paired with a CVT gearbox, it’s not the last word in refinement nor pace but it gets the job done and will probably last a lifetime.

With a chic design that rivals anything out of Europe, the car is rather stylish, too. It treads its own path, looking like nothing else out there - but in a good way. Elements like the C-pillar ‘gills’ and blacked-out A-pillar help make it look really distinct. For $1,000 more, you can spec the car in two-tone too, which is what I’d do.

The interior is rather more austere. It is pared down and utilitarian but infinitely practical. Legroom comes at a premium for rear passengers though, something to note for longer trips up to Malaysia. The boot, good for 260 litres with the rear seats up, is rather small too.

With Cat A COE on the rise, the Ignis sadly may find a lot less buyers than it deserves to get.

What we like:

Feels as tough as a workhorse can be, looks chic and is reasonably efficient.

What we dislike:

Could feel a little low-rent, and considering the high COE now, it feels expensive.

Verdict

A peppy urban runabout as the Ignis has always been, now unfortunately saddled with high COE.

Credits: Text by James Wong; Photos Horizon Drivers' Club