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General Just taken a big Financial Hit

So which version did you get? I had a quick look and it seemed like AWD/4x4 was only available with the hybrid is that right? Also said that you lose some boot space with the AWD/4x4 version?
 
I didn't go for the 4x4 version, mainly due to price, but I'm happy enough with 2WD and winter tyres. This, together with the increased ground clearance, will get me to most of the places that I'm likely to want to go, without too much drama. In a way it's a poor man's option but the car will still be surprisingly capable, just like the Panda.

My priorities are safe handling in cold and wet conditions, rather than off roading or heavy snow, although some of the forest car parks that I go to (for hill walking) are full of pot holes, often flooded and depth unknown. The extra ground clearance over my Lounge will give me that bit more confidence. Had I originally gone for a Panda Trekking then I wouldn't have changed cars but I didn't really know much about them at the time and they're not so readily available as the Ignis anyway.

In any event, as I found out with my Panda, winter tyres are a huge step up from the oem's. Last week I experienced the worst flooding that I've ever seen on a Motorway and a BMW in front of me slewed off the road into the central reservation (fortunately there was a trap in this section of the M80, so the guy was ok) but the Panda cut through the water like an arrow.
 
Unless Fiat produce a VERY good replacement for my current 4x4TA I will be buying an Ignis next time, and for me an SX-5 spec AllGrip version. I borrowed one for a day and came to the following conclusions;

For:
More funky looks
Better Tech and infotainment (Reversing Camera, std Cruise, CarPlay, HIDs)
Very similar 4WD system with Electro switched coupling for Rear axle
More flexible interior space (sliding rear seats etc)
Funky colours and interior (orange all the way I suspect....)
Very smooth, rev-able engine with 90 real NA horsepowers
I failed to do worse than 50mpg over a couple of 100 muckabout miles
Very clever light hybrid Starter/Generator and tiny Lithium battery (under Passenger seat so no loss of interior space)

Against;
Not as torquey and fun as my 4x4TA
Less supple ride (Panda will have better articulation)
Probably not quite as good off-road (ref: TopGear need to put monster tyres on their Ignis v's Panda Scottish mountain climb)
No heated windscreen or seats (would need aftermarket for the latter and expensive one-off for the former)
Awkward tyre size for selection of Winters (might need a size up to help with choice).


So I'm sticking with my Panda for now (47,000 miles, nearly 6 years old) as it remains my go-to car over all the others. But that Ignis sure looks cool to me.... :)(y)
 
However............................................,

one issue which I had previously read about on the Ignis forum, but not experienced personally until this morning, is what they refer to as "crabbing". Pull away with close to full lock and the tyres skitter about like crazy :eek: Appears to affect both 2WD and 4WD.

It's not a pleasant sensation and there are suggestions that it's all down to the oem tyres. I certainly found it disconcerting.

I'd say that it's a genuine issue with the Ignis, even if it can be cured by using different tyres (the jury seems to be out on this), and is the only feature of the car which I don't like. Actually, I really don't like it and will be glad to get my winter tyres fitted. I also have further issues with my infotainment system so my inauguration to the Ignis has not been as smooth as I hoped. Still, I really like the overall package and driving with the centre armrest installed makes it an accomplished ride overall, ie the negatives are outweighed by the positives.

Generally speaking, the Ignis is neither better nor worse than the Panda, it's just different. The extra cash buys you more room, better performance and a more "grown up" feel, but sacrifices the manic fun element of the less expensive Fiat. If I had to decide on picking just one it would be a close call. I might have a better idea in a few weeks time but at the moment I'm not entirely convinced that I've made the right choice. I'm pretty sure that the Ignis will end up the winner but, interestingly, I'm now less keen to fork out on a brand new one, which was something that I had previously considered. So, to anyone thinking of changing, get a decent test drive first and practice pulling sharply out of junctions to see if yours crabs. It might not.
 
What brand of tyres does the Ignis come with?! Don't forget too it's a super modern design full of technology. The Panda coming up to 8 years old so in some ways pointless comparing too much. If tyres been "dressed" it won't help. I found that with my Panda, though wheels needed balancing again. Affected by 2 years of compacted Northumberland crud off farmland. Panda has better ride than my Dad's 2018 Honda Jazz for example on less than super smooth tarmac. But the Honda lot nicer than mine in some ways. I think you've made a great decision even if you'll never be totally convinced. (y)
 
However............................................,

one issue which I had previously read about on the Ignis forum, but not experienced personally until this morning, is what they refer to as "crabbing".

A VERY common 'feature' of modern suspension technology and design - the goal for roll-resisting suspension control and achieving the required Ackerman Angle of the steering geometry. Winter tyres help mask the issue as the scrub is dissipated more easily through the more wobbly treadblocks. Summer tyres on cold roads in the wet show the issue at its best. I'd not fuss about it though, as "They all do that Sir" I'm afraid....
 
At least I knew that I was going to replace the tyres straight away. And, yes, they had been dressed by the dealer, so maybe that makes the sidewalls less pliable.

There's a very limited choice for the Ignis, especially winter tyres, although there have been a couple of positive reviews on the cheaper Nankang's. I'll probably get Falkens at the end of the day.
 
At 2017 i did multiple test drives between PANDA MTJ(95hp) 4X4 and SUZUKI IGNIS 4X4(non mild hydrid). The pros of IGNIS was :1) Use of interior space 2)Up to date tech equipment. The cons was:1) Feedback of the steering wheel, especially the accurancy of the straight line. 2)Road noise at high speed 3)Wind sencitivity. I prefered and bought the PANDA for the overall driving experience.
 
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