Maruti Suzuki has discontinued the Ignis in India, production has now stopped and bookings at dealerships have stopped. The entry-level NEXA hatchback has been phased out due to continuously falling sales and changing market preferences.
Launched in 2017, the Ignis stood out with its quirky design and crossover-like stance. It received a security update in 2019 and a facelift in 2020. However, over the years, its appeal gradually weakened as buyers shifted towards more practical hatchbacks and entry-level SUVs.
Declining sales and changing market trends
The Ignis had a strong start to 2017 with sales of 48,425 units, but volumes declined steadily in the following years. While there was a slight recovery in 2021 and 2022, sales fell again last year to around 27,900 units, forcing Maruti to discontinue the model.
A look at Ignis sales in the last six months further sheds light on its declining demand. 11,871 units of the hatchback were registered between October 2025 and March 2026, down 13.28% compared to 13,689 units in the same period last year.
Monthly performance remained inconsistent, with sharp declines seen in January 2026 (-49.68% y-o-y) and March 2026 (-34.21% y-o-y). While December 2025 saw a temporary increase due to year-end relaxation, the overall trend remained weak. This continued decline in recent months probably played a significant role in Maruti Suzuki’s decision to discontinue the Ignis.
A major reason for its declining popularity was increasing competition, especially from SUV-styled offerings like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Xcent. At the same time, internal competition from models like Swift and Celerio also affected its position.
Missing features harm competitiveness
Ignis gradually lagged behind in terms of features and safety. It remained one of the few Maruti models to continue with only dual airbags, while the rest of the lineup switched to 6 airbags as standard. Additionally, the absence of a factory-fitted CNG option limited its appeal in the price-sensitive market, where buyers increasingly prioritize fuel efficiency and low running costs.
New Y43 SUV to fill this gap
Now following the discontinuation of the Ignis, Maruti Suzuki is expected to introduce a new sub-compact SUV to fill the gap, which will be internally codenamed Y43. This model is likely to be positioned below the front end and will target popular entry-level SUVs like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Xcent.
The Y43 is expected to have a more traditional SUV design with more ground clearance, better safety and updated features. It may be powered by a 1.2L Z-series petrol engine with mild hybrid technology, similar to the latest Swift. Expected to be launched in late 2026, prices are likely to range from Rs 5.25-9 lakh (ex-showroom).
