Rumour: Maruti Suzuki Ignis might come with AWD option

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With the Maruti Suzuki Ignis launch nearing, many speculations and rumours about the upcoming crossover have started flowing in. One such speculation suggests that the Maruti Ignis might come with an AWD (all-wheel drive) option. If this indeed comes true, it would be the first budget crossover to feature an AWD system.

The implied system will probably be a full-time AWD unit. As a result, it will function in FWD (Front Wheel Drive) mode in normal conditions, with power going to the rear wheels only when the sensors detect slippage. Additionally, the driver would be given the flexibility to lock the drive system at any time to send power to all four wheels.

The Ignis was showcased as a production-ready concept at the 2016 Auto Expo, and is scheduled to launch during this year's festive season (September-October). It will be sold through the company’s premium dealership network, NEXA.

The Maruti Ignis will be powered by the 1.2-litre K-series petrol, and the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engines, which are also found under the hood of the Swift, DZire, and Baleno. Both these engines will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, while a CVT automatic option will be offered with the petrol variants.