Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The new Ertiga looks more attractive this time around. The projector headlights are fused into the chunky chrome grille, and this makes the car look wider than it is. There is also a raised bonnet with neat crease lines and body-colored design touches positioned over the fog lamps. There is more of an SUV-like design this time for the Ertiga. The silhouette remains MPV-Ish, although it is quite pleasing to look at. There is a signature line starting from the fender in front and this goes to the wraparound taillights as well. This adds some more flair and panache to the car’s design, while a blacked-out C-pillar also completes the look to perfection. The taillights look neat while the chrome slab connecting them is a nice touch as well. The new Ertiga looks premium enough and the only thing that sticks out is the 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels which have 185-section tyres. These look a little small for the wheel arches. However, one may upgrade to 16 inches for aesthetic reasons, at the cost of fuel efficiency.

The interiors are now more pleasant than before. The dashboard looks smart, and the grey and beige theme is also a good touch. There is satin-finished faux wood which runs across the same, adding a premium flavour to the entire experience as well. There is a touchscreen infotainment unit for the Z+ variants of the Ertiga along with connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This is quite like other models like the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz or the Swift for instance. The instrument cluster is simple enough, with its blue dials and colour TFT MID. The HEARTECT platform means that the Ertiga is now wider, taller, and longer than the previous version, which has considerably scaled up overall cabin space. The second row can be shifted backwards/forward for more knee room while the 50:50 split-third row also gets reclining features. Two adults can be reasonably accommodated in the third row. However, headroom could be an issue for some people in the last row. The last row is however best suited for children. There is more boot space, i.e., 209 Liters, with all three rows in place. Folding the third row increases this to 550 Liters in total. There are some nifty storage zones with bottle holders for passengers and chilled cup holders for the central console, with phone recesses. Fit and finish is certainly a massive improvement over the earlier model.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga comes with good connectivity and infotainment equipment including the smart Play touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and more. There are other features like automatic climate control, cooled cup holders, 12V charging sockets for all the seating rows, and more. However, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, and an auto-dimming IRVM is still absent.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has the following engine options:

There are diesel and petrol engine options for the Ertiga and they come with five-speed manual transmission options, while the VXi and ZXi petrol models also come with four-speed automatic transmission systems. The DDiS 1.3 litre engine has been used by the brand for years, although the petrol engine is a good performer with its Smart Hybrid setup which makes use of a lithium-ion battery under the front passenger seat, for running a motor to power the wheels in front, before the torque of the engine comes into play, and the revs start going up. The system functions as a torque-filler at lower revs, enabling cruising at higher gears in lower speeds. This also makes the driving experience smoother on city roads and you can run in fourth gear around 30-40 kmph without worrying. Acceleration is good and this system makes all the difference. It overcomes the limitations of usual naturally-aspirated petrol engines. The fuel economy also goes up as a result. The petrol engine is smooth and refined at lower revs, although there is some noise once you cross the 4500 RPM mark. The NVH levels are not as good since crossing 80 kmph equates to some more wind or road noise. The diesel engine is a reliable Maruti Suzuki mainstay over several years and performs reasonably well here, generating decent power and torque alike.

The HEARTECT platform makes the car more drivable and the ride noticeably better. The Ertiga feels and stays completely composed throughout undulating and rough surfaces, while also taking potholes with aplomb. The Ertiga stays firm and planted across corners as well. There is only a little body roll which is manageable otherwise. The MPV otherwise has good driving manners, especially with the petrol engine. The steering feels slightly off at lower speeds, although it functions neatly as you increase the overall pace. The brakes have good grip as well. The suspension is on the softer side and ride quality is superb overall. Bad roads feel par for the course in the Ertiga. However, steering feedback is one area which still requires a lot of improvement. This is more of a cruising vehicle, and cannot be turned towards when one is looking for performance or high speed cornering.

The Ertiga gets decent safety features, with all its variants coming with ABS and dual front airbags. The automatic models have hill start assist and ESP as well. The MPV is built out of 39% tensile steel, while the HEARTECT platform is the same one used for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the Swift. Overall safety features are par for the course in this segment. All versions also have EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, speed-sensitive door locks, and rear parking sensors.

The diesel and petrol manual versions come in the L, V, Z, and Z+ variants. Those looking for a petrol-automatic combo can only choose the V and Z variants. All variants have the basic safety features in place. The L trims are basic with power windows, air conditioning, tilt-adjustable steering, central locking, and 60:40 split folding middle rows, along with 50:50 split lat row with reclining features. Halogen projector headlamps are also a standard offering. The V trim is a little costlier and gets additional features like body colored door handles, 15-inch rims, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, Bluetooth audio system with steering-mounted controls, rear air conditioning vents, remote locking, ESP and hill-hold assist (last two only for the automatic variants). The Z trims have front fog lamps, keyless entry and go, height-adjustable seatbelt and driver’s seat, front central armrest, automatic climate control and rear defogger over the V trims. The top-end variant is substantially costlier and comes with the SmartPlay infotainment unit and the reverse camera. If you are flexible with your budget, you should choose the ZXi+ variant for getting the best value and the top features. Low mileage users should ideally consider the petrol versions. The best value is offered by the VXi variant which gets almost all the features and comes at a comparatively reasonable price.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga competes with several cars including the Kia Carens, Maruti Suzuki XL6, and also the costlier Hyundai Alcazar. The Carens is the second-most affordable after the Ertiga and the XL6 is slightly costlier as well. The Kia Carens has the biggest boot followed by the XL6 and Ertiga models. The Alcazar has the highest ground clearance. The Maruti MPVs have the lower power figures, although they are the most fuel efficient. The Carens is the only MPV with a DCT system mated to a turbocharged engine. The Hyundai Alcazar has the biggest and most powerful engine on offer. The Kia Carens has more features including the 10.25 inch infotainment unit, one-touch electric tumble seats, ambient lighting, sunroof, Bose audio system, paddle shifters, and a lot more. The Hyundai Alcazar is equally well-equipped. However, considering the Ertiga’s price point, decent space, and reasonably performing engines, it still stands out as a value proposition in its segment.

The Ertiga offers excellent ride and handling, along with great driving dynamics as well. It offers sufficient space and comfort, along with great drivability, more boot space, decent legroom and features, and value for your money. At the same time, the diesel engine still feels noisy, while some more features could have been added to the mix. The fuel economy is also not up to the mark for the petrol-AT combo on the Ertiga. Hence, while it does have its share of misses, it still makes for a great buy for those looking for a reasonably-priced, well-kitted out people mover.