IT'S remarkable what you can get for less than £8,000 these days.
The just-launched five-door version of Suzuki's supermini is yet another roomy, well-equipped example of the breed, initially with a 1.3 VVT engine but followed by a 1.5 AWD and a 1.5 automatic.
It's a bit of a gangly creation, tallish in an MPV sort of way, although touches like bold arches and lines give it some design credentials.
The height does expose the car to some sidedraught buffeting and a modicum of roll on bends. But it also offers rewards -visibility is fine all round and the high-set rear seats not only provide a view but generate good legroom for a supermini.
The rear doors are a useful size, so entry and exit are easy, and the clever use of cabin space means there is unexpectedly good luggage capacity and there are fitted as standard roof rails, too.
Have room, will travel is the outcome, and this is a supermini that can do a family-car job.
The 1,328cc 16-valve engine is a willing worker and it whipped the laden Ignis down the motorway for hour after hour with no qualms. With nearly 90lb ft of pull for a light car and a 99mph top speed, it operated confidently in the fast lane, while having that supermini nimbleness in an urban crawl.
Okay, it doesn't have the sophistication of an authentic distance cruiser, and there's a bit of noise, but it is more than capable for very little money.
There's height variation for the driver's seat, which partly compensates for the lack of adjustment of the three-spoke steering wheel, and grips, with leather on the gear-knob, feel good.
The unfussy lay-out of the central console, which includes an integrated radio/ CD player, is excellent and the deep-pocket white-faced dials and the dash-top info screen are also good. Indeed, the whole fascia is quite smart, better than some award-winning rivals, and that also applies to the upholstery.
All four side doors feature bottle holders and a tray under the passenger seat is augmented by a range of cubby holes.
As for standard equipment, the five-door Ignis offers front and side airbags, electric front windows and door mirrors, progressive power steering, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, remote central locking with deadlocks, a six-speaker sound system, split folding rear seats with adjustable recline and triple three-point seatbelts and head rests, immobiliser and disc front brakes.
Air conditioning is available as a paid-for extra.
The five-door Ignis may not have the refinement of performance of the leading superminis, but offering all this, plus an impressive warranty package and flexibility of use for under £8,000, it undoutedly represents excellent value.
FAST FACTS
Suzuki Ignis 1.3
Price: £7,953
Mechanical: 92.5bhp, 1,328cc 16v 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 11.1 secs
Combined mpg: 43.5
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 154g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust