No, This is not an article on Superstar Rajnikanth’s next movie. However, this writeup is about the super star of the entry-MUV segment – Ertiga’s next iteration.
MARUTI SUZUKI ERTIGA 2.0
The compact seven-seater scene continues to be a hotly-contested segment it seems. From tiny crossovers, to sleek MPVs, automakers are cashing in on this booming segment. Suzuki’s answer to this conundrum? The all-new 2018 Suzuki Ertiga.
Officially making its world debut at the 2018 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS), the new Ertiga bears a new face, along with new and updated technologies. With it, Suzuki is determined to keep a foothold on this segment that is populated by such competitors like the Honda BRV and Mahindra Marrazzo.
Much like the new-generation Swift (from which it is based on), the 2018 Ertiga ditches its rounded curves for a more angular, more up market appearance. No longer does the MPV resemble the hatchback as Suzuki gave this all-new model a unique face.
Let’s take a look at the historical sales statistics of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in the Indian market –
The Ertiga is a 7 Seater mini MPV developed by Suzuki. It is built on the Swift Platform.
Ertiga got the distinction of having the first monocoque MPV of India. The Ertiga is based upon the R-III(R3) concept showcased by Maruti Suzuki in 2010 Indian Automobile Expo. The Ertiga name is derived from the Indonesian word R-Tiga where the R stands for Rows and Tiga meaning three. Thus Ertiga means MPV with 3 rows.
R III concept
First Generation (2012-2018)
The Ertiga was launched in India on 12 April 2012 and created a new segment. Ertiga was below Toyota Innova. Maruti Suzuki proclaimed Ertiga as the first LUV (Life Utility Vehicle).
The Ertiga was offered with K15B petrol engine and Fiat’s 1.3 multijet engine. In June 2013, Maruti Suzuki offered Ertiga with a CNG variant. The Ertiga ruled the segment with no real competitor in the Indian market. Honda tried various models like Mobilio and BR-V. Chevrolet introduced Enjoy but they were unable to take any share and Maruti Suzuki maintained its monopoly in the segment.
First Generation
Second generation(2018-)
The second generation Ertiga is already launched in various ASEAN markets. It is going to get launched in the Indian market in few weeks. The second generation model is revolutionary and has given Ertiga a distinct look.
Sweeping projector headlights along with a bigger, more distinct chrome grill, dominate the front fascia of the new MPV. Also bearing noticeable revisions are the front bumper, foglights and foglight bezels. Newly-designed 15-inch alloy wheels, as well as eye-catching L-shaped taillights, are also seen on the all-new Ertiga.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the 2018 Ertiga measures 4395mm long, 1735mm wide, 1690mm tall and has a 2740mm wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing model, the all-new model is 130mm longer, 40mm wider, and 5mm taller. Wheelbase remains the same as before. However, to further distinguish itself from the Swift, Suzuki gave the new Ertiga its own dashboard and cabin design. High-end models will come with a free-floating touchscreen infotainment system along with heaps of faux wood trim on the dashboard, center console, flat-bottomed steering wheel and door panels. Like the current offering, the 2018 Ertiga continues to come with a pre-dominantly beige interior which has become one of its well-known features.
Second Generation
Other features present inside the Ertiga include a four-speaker sound system, tilt-adjustable steering rack, seat height adjuster for the driver, refreshed instrument cluster design and three 12V power outlets. Like the current generation model, the second row seat can be split folded 60:40 while the third row can be folded 50:50.
Under the hood is a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine dubbed the K15B. It displaces 1462cc and benefits from variable valve timing (VVT) and multi-point injection (MPI). The result is 105 PS at 6000 rpm along with 138 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. Despite being based off the new-generation Swift, the 2018 Ertiga is only available with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox.
As it sits on the same platform as the Swift called ‘Heartect’, Suzuki claimed the 2018 Ertiga is more rigid and lighter than before. Plus, the MPV will deliver better cornering, stopping and overall driving performance.
Additional features and amenities available in the 2018 Ertiga include the following: power-folding side mirrors, rear parking sensors, keyless smart entry with engine start-stop button, electronic stability program (ESP), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), ISOFIX child seat anchors and dual SRS airbags.
Sweeping projector headlights along with a bigger, more distinct chrome grill, dominate the front fascia of the new MPV. Also bearing noticeable revisions are the front bumper, foglights and foglight bezels. Newly-designed 15-inch alloy wheels, as well as eye-catching L-shaped taillights, are also seen on the all-new Ertiga.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the 2018 Ertiga measures 4395mm long, 1735mm wide, 1690mm tall and has a 2740mm wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing model, the all-new model is 130mm longer, 40mm wider, and 5mm taller. Wheelbase remains the same as before, however.
To further distinguish itself from the Swift, Suzuki gave the new Ertiga its own dashboard and cabin design. High-end models will come with a free-floating touchscreen infotainment system along with heaps of faux wood trim on the dashboard, center console, flat-bottomed steering wheel and door panels. Like the current offering, the 2018 Ertiga continues to come with a pre-dominantly beige interior which has become one of its well-known features.
Other features present inside the Ertiga include a four-speaker sound system, tilt-adjustable steering rack, seat height adjuster for the driver, refreshed instrument cluster design and three 12V power outlets. Like the current generation model, the second row seat can be split folded 60:40 while the third row can be folded 50:50. The boot space is also said to be improved.
Sources: globalsuzuki,com,Wikipedia and marutisuzuki,com
(This article is written by Gourav Saksham, a dentist by profession and a Petrohead by passion. You can connect with him at gouravsaksham@gmail.com)