Maruti Ignis Discontinued Silently - What Are Your Other Options?

Maruti Suzuki has silently phased out the Ignis, according to multiple reports with confirmations from Nexa dealerships. 

Sales data from March 2026 revealed that the 1,250 units of the hatchback were sold last month, recording a 32% monthly decline and a 34% decline from March 2025. While 1,250 units may not sound like a bad number, it is for Maruti, whose bestselling car records over 20,000 cars every month.

While poor sales may have been a factor, we believe that Maruti may have decided to make this move to make way for its Tata Punch rivalling micro SUV, currently under development and codenamed the ‘Y43’. In our article about this upcoming model, we mentioned that it may be positioned above the Ignis, possibly replacing it. 

Also Read - Tata Punch Tops March 2026 SUV Sales - Nexon, Creta Follow

Although very few in numbers, the Ignis did have its own fan following, largely thanks to its funky design and Maruti's peppy K12M 1.2-litre engine making 82 bhp and 113 Nm of torque.

However, if you wanted to get an Ignis, you may not be able to anymore, as Maruti is said to have stopped the Ignis's production last month and is not taking any new bookings either.

Similarly Priced Maruti Ignis Rivals

The production-spec Y43 is not expected to debut before 2027, so if you are planning to buy a micro SUV in the ₹5-8 lakh price range in the near future, you are left with the following options.

Tata Punch

The Tata Punch recently received a facelift, with a sharper design and new features. 

It offers a wide variety of variants and powertrain options, including an all-new turbo petrol engine producing 118 bhp and 170 Nm, which I always believed was much needed. 

If you prioritise safety, the Punch is your ideal pick, as it offers 6 airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, TPMS, rear parking sensors, and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers as standard, boasting a 5-Star Bharat NCAP rating.

Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 is an underrated car in this segment, with a design that stands out. 

You get two petrol engine options with this cross-hatch - a naturally aspirated unit making 80 bhp and 115 Nm of torque, and a turbo producing 108 bhp and 205 Nm.

Just like all Citroen cars, the C3 also offers one of the best suspension systems in its class, making it worth considering for those of you who travel with your family and are seeking great ride quality. 

While the C3 has not been crash tested yet by BNCAP, the Basalt and the C3 Aircross, which share their platforms with the hatchback, have scored 4 and 5 stars respectively.

Hyundai Exter

The Hyundai Exter too was recently refreshed with subtly redesigned exterior and interior elements and feature upgrades.

Powertrain options have carried over unchanged, with a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 82 bhp and 113 Nm of torque, paired with a manual or AMT. If you are looking for minimal running costs, the Hy-CNG Duo variants making 68 bhp and 95 Nm are the ones to go for. 

Its twin-cylinder setup offers 225 litres of boot space and an underbody spare tyre, meaning you don’t miss out on practicality.

Also Read - Hyundai Exter 2026 Launched At Rs 5.80 Lakh - What's New?

All three of these cars are value-for-money offerings and great picks over the Ignis, which, in all honesty, had started to become a little outdated when compared to its rivals. 

However, if you are in no hurry, Maruti's Y43 in its production form may well be worth waiting for, with Maruti's bulletproof reliability and service network giving it a major advantage over rivals.

Image Source: Nexa, Tata Motors, Hyundai India