Maruti Suzuki’s decision to introduce the Ertiga MPV for the Indian market was a stroke of genius. 6 years, 4.2 lakh happy customers later the Ertiga remains the undisputed leader in the current Indian MPV segment. There are quite a few factors behind the success of the Ertiga – an MPV by India’s most trusted car brands, flexibility of 7 seats, felt like a compact/smaller car when driven, tried and tested efficient engines (petrol, diesel and CNG), amazing value for money at an extremely competitive price. The Ertiga is a car that caters to the Indian family very well. Not only is it a great people mover but it has all the attributes that make for a great family car – practical, good on space, good flexibility on offer for both passengers and or luggage, easy to drive, efficient performance, easy on the pocket to maintain. Having a large density of joint families, and nuclear families alike India is a perfect market for cars the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Maruti has recently launched the refreshed, facelifted 2018 Ertiga. Let’s find out what the new Ertiga is all about…
The Ertiga greets you with a nice first impression. Yes, the car does maintain the van-like stance but the new look Ertiga sports a modern design – the neat cuts, sharp edges which add sophistication. The 2018 Ertiga gets a new face up front. With a newly designed chrome-studded grille, new swept back headlamps (some may argue that the new headlamps look quite like the Innova Crysta’s). Strong character lines running across the length of the car merge well with the bold and refreshed rear section. The changes don’t stop on the outside as the Ertiga gets a new, updated interior too. Enter the Ertiga and you are greeted by the familiar beige color scheme for the interiors. Yes, the beige color scheme works well with a lot of cars…however Maruti should mix up the color schemes to add some variety to the cabin. Look closely and you will be happy to notice a new look dashboard design, central console, steering column and instrument cluster. There is a large strip of wood across the length of the dashboard. This adds character and a premium feel to the car. The AC vents are now merged with a black panel with chrome lines running across (only available in the top end variant). This is a neat bit of design adding flair to the car interior. The touchscreen is now a floating unit at the top of the central console. The Ertiga gets a new steering wheel – the unit also does duty on the new Maruti Suzuki Swift as well. On the Ertiga it comes in beige along with wooden inserts at the base. There is good amount of space, legroom at the rear. It is easy for 3 adults to sit comfortably at the backseat even on long drives. The Ertiga offers passengers practical flexibility the added 3rd row of seats. Getting into the 3rd row is very easy. Seating 2 adults is not too bad; however, this space is ideally suited for children. In case you are moving large equipment, luggage then the Ertiga has you covered, the seats can be split in a 60:40 combination. Being an MPV, the Ertiga does have considerable body roll, given its style and stance the Ertiga is not a car you would enjoy driving in a spirited manner. The Ertiga is best driven in a calm, manner ideally at part throttle. The Ertiga is powered by 2 engine options – a 1.5 L petrol (this engine also does duty on the facelifted Ciaz) producing 105 bhp of power, this petrol engine is assisted by a mild hybrid system of 2 electric motors providing efficiency and power whilst driving. The Ertiga petrol also gets an automatic transmission variant. The Fiat-sourced all familiar 1.3 L diesel engine powers the Ertiga diesel. This engine though a proven performer has now aged and become outdated. It would have been great if Maruti could have provided a new, updated diesel engine option. A negative point with respect to the diesel engine is the loud engine noise even at idle, when you push the car it literally roars! Competitors have raised the bar when it comes to cabin insulation and NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels of cars with diesel engines. A diesel auto variant would have been the cherry on the icing…however Maruti Suzuki has not given any further information on the same.
It is great to see that Maruti has carried on the strengths of the first generation Ertiga and effectively integrated to the latest generation. The new Ertiga will compete with cars the likes of Mahindra Marazzo, Honda Mobilio amongst others. Being a very strong package, refreshed design & styling, a trusted track record shall ensure that the Ertiga performs steadily in the market. The starting price point of Rs.7.44 Lakh only adds more brownie points in favor of the Ertiga. We look forward to a good market performance for the new Ertiga…let us know what you think!
