Suzuki looks forward to haveing two of its new models nominated for World Car Of The Year Awards.

Suzuki is well known as the ‘Small Car Experts’ and is pleased to announce that it has two eligible nominations in the new ‘Urban Car’ category of the 2017 World Car of The Year.

To qualify, vehicles must be less than four metres long, suitable in design for everyday use in an urban environment and also be on sale in two Continents by the deadline of Spring 2017. The Baleno hatchback model at 3.99 metres and the new Ignis Mini Crossover at 3.70 metres both qualify for judging and there are six other new cars listed in this category.

The World Car of the Year judging panel comprises of 73 Automotive Industry journalists with eight of these representing the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The Baleno was first launched in India and then introduced in Europe several months later in June 2016. It was Suzuki’s first car to be available with SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology and is equipped with a lithium–ion battery and Integrated Start Generator to enable CO₂ emissions of just 94g/km. The Baleno is also available with Suzuki’s highly acclaimed 1.0-litre three cylinder Boosterjet turbocharged engine offering CO₂emissions of 105g/km and 62.7mpg on the EC combined fuel consumption cycle.

The new Ignis Mini Crossover model was first launched in Japan for the domestic market and more recently unveiled for Europe at the Paris Motor Show; it will go on sale from January 2017. In addition to its stylish exterior design, the Ignis features excellent visibility, compact dimensions and a spacious cabin with ample luggage space. The development goal was to create purely iconic crossover styling that is undoubtedly Suzuki.

Ignis is powered by a 90PS 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine and will be available with optional four wheel drive. It will also offer optional SHVS technology that lowers CO₂ emissions to 97g/km.

Ignis also offers the latest in safety technology with stereo cameras monitoring the distance between the vehicle and other objects, as well as the shape of those objects. This new technology becomes the basis for three advanced safety functions: Dual Camera Brake Support (DCBS), Lane Departure Warning, and Weaving Alert.