Maruti Suzuki Ertiga to be Launched on 11 April

To Start with, the Ertiga marks the entry of Maruti Suzuki in the Utility Vehicle segment. The company is calling the Ertiga ‘India’s first compact MUV’. According to Maruti Suzuki, the Utility Vehicle (UV) segment in India accounts for around 14 per cent of the automobile industry. Of this, about 66 per cent are Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) – the segment where Ertiga is positioned. In the Indian automobile industry, the MPV is the fastest growing sub-segment amongst UVs showing a growth of around 15 per cent in the last four years.

Exterior

When viewed front on, the Ertiga looks distinctively Suzuki with the grille having a faint resemblance to the one seen on last generation Swift hatchback. The swept back headlights, again, seem to carry hints of those found on Swift hatchback and the creases on the bonnet remind me of the Ritz. Overall, the vehicle looks smart in the front profile but nothing ground breaking here.Talking about the side profile of the the Ertiga, the front door, has more than a hint of the one on the Ritz. It is the rear quarter glass that lends some uniqueness to the vehicle’s design. Having said that we cannot resist mentioning that the quarter glass reminds us of the Honda Jazz.Rear profile is where the game changes and how! The only resemblances to the Ritz are the reflectors incorporated in the bumper and the light holder unit for the rear number plate. From behind, the MPV looks unique enough with a well styled hatch and smart tail lamp units.Overall, we are quite happy about the way the car looks. Nothing path breaking though. Do not expect the excitement that the last generation Swift generated back when it was launched.

Interior

The interior of the Ertiga boasts of an all new three spoke tilt adjustable electric steering wheel unit. There is a certain degree of freshness to the Ertiga’s interior comparing with other Maruti Suzuki cars, but it isn’t exactly very exciting. The interior also features a twin AC, audio system (USB Compatible, 4+2 speakers), steering mounted audio controls, central door locking and keyless entry, multi information display, power windows with auto down and electrically adjustable mirror.The Ertiga offers a three-row flexi-seating options for 7 passengers (2x3x2) that is easier to operate. The storage space after all 7 seats are occupied is rather less though, with a little over 139 liters. With the last row of seats dropped down, however, the car gets a boot space of 400+ liters.

Engine specs

The is the first Maruti Suzuki car to get the all new, reasonably powerful and light weight K-14 VVT petrol engine. In that way it’s also a global unveiling and extension of the `K’ family engines. The engine produces 95PS of peak power at 6000 rpm and 130Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. The petrol engine will deliver fuel efficiency of 16.02kmpl (according to CMV Rule 155 of IDC).The car also boasts of the the acclaimed 1.3 litre DDiS Super Turbo diesel engine. With that engine the car will have peak power of 90PS@4000rpm and a top end torque of 200Nm@1750rpm. The Certified fuel efficiency (CMV Rule 155, India cycle) of Diesel Ertiga is a class leading 20.77 km per litre.During the car’s unveiling at the Indian Auto Expo, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi said, “The global premier of the Utility Vehicle portfolio at the Auto Expo is an iconic event as it is a reflection of the Company’s preparedness for the future competitive scenario. The Ertiga brings space, style and compactness to Utility vehicles for customers in India. As India gears to be amongst the largest global automobile markets by 2020, with the foray into UV segment, Maruti Suzuki will strengthen its leadership position in the industry. With Ertiga the Maruti Suzuki will step into the Utility Vehicle segments and effectively create a new Compact MPV segment in India.

Specs at a glance:

Engine: 1.4 liter petrol / 1.3 liter Turbo Diesel

Power: 95PS @ 6000 rpm / 90 PS @ 4000 rpm

Torque: 130 NM @ 4000 rpm / 200 Nm @ 1750 rpm

Fuel efficiency: 16.02 kmpl / 20.77 kmpl

Length x Width x Height : 4265mm x 1695mm x 1685mm

Price: Rs. 6-8 lakh estimated

Fuel efficiency (Indian cycle): Diesel 20.77 and Petrol 16.02 Km per litre