Maruti Ertiga Tour

Hey car enthusiasts and smart buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new family car or perhaps a reliable vehicle for your business? In India, buying a car involves so many factors beyond just the looks. We think about our budget, what safety features are on board, how much monthly maintenance will set us back, if it has the latest tech, and of course, the ever-important company service network. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a car that checks many of these boxes and has become a household name for its practicality: the new Maruti Ertiga Tour.

The Maruti Ertiga has long been a favourite in the MPV segment, known for its spaciousness and economical running costs. The Ertiga Tour variant takes this a step further, specifically catering to those who need a robust, fuel-efficient, and comfortable vehicle for commercial use or large families on a budget. Let's find out if this 7-seater MPV is the right fit for your needs.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Maruti Ertiga Tour is powered by Maruti Suzuki's reliable and fuel-efficient engine.

• Engine Type: 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1462 cc
• Maximum Power: About 103 PS (for petrol) / 88 PS (for CNG mode)
• Maximum Torque: About 136 Nm (for petrol) / 121.5 Nm (for CNG mode)
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Petrol + CNG
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual

Design Overview

Exterior

The Ertiga Tour maintains the familiar, practical design of the standard Ertiga but with a focus on durability and functionality.

• Simple Yet Functional: Clean lines and a subtle chrome grille.
• Robust Build: Designed to withstand demanding usage, common in fleet operations.
• Practical Lighting: Halogen headlamps and standard tail lights ensure good visibility.
• Steel Wheels: Often comes with durable steel wheels, keeping maintenance costs low.

Interior

Step inside, and you will find a cabin built for comfort and utility.

• Spacious 7-Seater: Ample room for seven occupants, making it ideal for large families or commercial transport.
• Comfortable Seating: Fabric upholstery that is easy to maintain and comfortable for long journeys.
• Practical Layout: Ergonomically designed dashboard with easy-to-reach controls.
• Adequate Storage: Multiple cubbyholes and bottle holders for convenience.

Key Features

While the Ertiga Tour focuses on core functionality, it offers essential features for a comfortable ride.

• Infotainment: Basic audio system with USB and AUX connectivity. Some variants might offer a simple display. (Note: High-end infotainment screens, sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging are generally NOT available on the Tour variant, as it's designed for value and utility.)
• Air Conditioning: Manual AC with second-row AC vents ensures comfort for all passengers.
• Power Windows: Standard for convenience.
• Central Locking: For security.

What is the Ground Clearance of Maruti Ertiga Tour?

• Ground Clearance: Approximately 185 mm

What is the Boot Space of Maruti Ertiga Tour?

• Boot Space: About 209 litres (with all three rows up). This can be expanded significantly by folding down the third row to around 550 litres, and even further with the second row folded.

What are the Dimensions of Maruti Ertiga Tour?

• Length: Approximately 4395 mm
• Width: Approximately 1735 mm
• Height: Approximately 1690 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2740 mm

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Ertiga Tour is primarily offered with two powertrain choices:

• Petrol: Equipped with the 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid petrol engine.
• Petrol + CNG: A popular choice in India, offering excellent fuel efficiency and lower running costs. The CNG kit is factory-fitted, ensuring reliability and safety.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Ertiga Tour with essential safety features:

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Seatbelt Reminder for Driver and Co-driver
• High-Speed Alert System

NCAP Rating Table

It is important to note that specific NCAP ratings for the "Ertiga Tour" might not be independently published. However, the standard Maruti Ertiga (which shares its platform and safety structure) was tested by Global NCAP.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (Maruti Ertiga Standard)	3 Stars	3 Stars
Bharat NCAP (Maruti Ertiga Tour)	Testing Underway / Not Yet Rated	Testing Underway / Not Yet Rated

This 3-star rating by Global NCAP is for the standard Ertiga (tested in 2019). We anticipate similar performance for the Tour variant, and look forward to its Bharat NCAP results.

Rivals of Maruti Ertiga Tour

The Ertiga Tour competes in a niche segment of commercial-focused MPVs and budget 7-seaters. Its main rivals include:

• Toyota Rumion (essentially a rebadged Ertiga)
• Mahindra Marazzo (though positioned slightly higher)
• Entry-level variants of Kia Carens (for private buyers)
• Renault Triber (a more compact offering)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Advantages (Pros)

• Fuel Efficiency: The CNG variant offers incredibly low running costs, making it a dream for commercial operators and budget-conscious families.
• Spacious Cabin: Comfortable seating for seven adults, with decent legroom and headroom in all three rows.
• Maruti's Reliability and Service: Backed by Maruti Suzuki's unparalleled service network across India, ensuring easy access to maintenance and spare parts.
• Low Maintenance Costs: Maruti vehicles are known for their affordable spare parts and service charges.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for Indian roads, absorbing bumps well and providing a comfortable ride for passengers.
• Proven Performer: A tried and tested platform that has proven its mettle over years.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Basic Features: As a "Tour" variant, it lacks many modern convenience features like a large touchscreen, alloy wheels, or advanced safety tech found in higher passenger variants.

Engine Performance: While adequate for city driving and highway cruising, the 1.5L engine might feel underpowered when fully loaded, especially on steep inclines.Safety Rating: While 3 stars is decent, some newer competitors offer higher safety ratings.No Automatic Option: Only available with a manual transmission, which might be a drawback for those who prefer the convenience of an automatic.Common Design: The design is functional but might not stand out in a crowd.

Conclusion

The Maruti Ertiga Tour truly shines as a practical, economical, and reliable 7-seater MPV for the Indian market. It is not about fancy features or blistering performance; it is about delivering on its promise of spacious, affordable, and worry-free transportation. For fleet owners, taxi operators, or large families who prioritise low running costs, ease of maintenance, and the peace of mind that comes with Maruti's extensive service network, the Ertiga Tour makes an incredibly compelling case.

If your car-buying considerations lean heavily towards budget-friendliness, impressive fuel efficiency (especially with CNG), and a comfortable ride for many passengers, then the Maruti Ertiga Tour should definitely be at the top of your list. It is a workhorse that consistently delivers value for money, making it a smart choice for many Indian buyers.