Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Buying a new car in India is a significant decision. You think about your budget, the safety features for your family, how much it will cost to maintain each month, what the latest features are, and of course, how reliable the company service is. For many Indian families looking for a spacious, reliable, and value-for-money vehicle, one name consistently comes up: the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Let's dive deep into why this MPV continues to be a top choice for so many.

Main Highlights of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid Petrol Engine
• Max Power: 103 PS at 6,000 rpm
• Max Torque: 136.8 Nm at 4,400 rpm
• Fuel Efficiency: Known for excellent fuel economy, especially with the Smart Hybrid technology.

Design Overview

The Ertiga maintains its practical yet stylish appeal, designed to offer a comfortable experience for all seven occupants.

• Exterior: The Ertiga features a refreshed chrome-winged front grille, projector headlamps, and sleek alloy wheels (in higher variants) that give it a premium and modern look. Its smooth lines and proportionate design make it an attractive MPV on Indian roads.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a dual-tone interior theme with faux wood inserts that add a touch of sophistication. The cabin is designed for comfort, with well-cushioned seats and ample space for a vehicle of its size. The layout is ergonomic, ensuring all controls are within easy reach.

Key Features

• Infotainment System: 7-inch SmartPlay Pro Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Connectivity: Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Suzuki Connect telematics suite
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Convenience: Cruise Control, Engine Push Start/Stop Button, Paddle Shifters (for Automatic variants), Cooled Cup Holders
• Driver Information: Multi-information Display (MID)

Ground Clearance

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga offers a ground clearance of 185 mm. This is quite adequate for navigating Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and uneven patches, without much worry.

Boot Space

With all three rows of seats in use, the Ertiga provides a boot space of 209 litres. If you fold down the third row, this expands significantly to 550 litres, and with both the second and third rows folded, it offers a massive 803 litres of cargo space. This flexibility makes it very practical for family trips and carrying luggage.

Dimensions

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

Powertrain Options

• Petrol: 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid engine with 5-speed Manual Transmission
• Petrol Automatic: 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid engine with 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic Transmission
• CNG: 1.5L CNG variant available for even lower running costs

Safety Features

Safety is a primary concern for any family car, and the Ertiga comes equipped with a decent set of safety features.

• Dual Airbags (Standard)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist (Available in Automatic variants)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Up to four airbags in top variants

NCAP Rating

Understanding safety ratings is crucial. Here's what you need to know about the Ertiga's NCAP performance:

Rating Agency	Adult Occupancy Rating	Child Occupancy Rating	Comments
Global NCAP (2019)	3 Stars	3 Stars	Note: This rating is for the previous generation Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Bharat NCAP	Awaited	Awaited	The new generation Ertiga's Bharat NCAP rating is yet to be announced.

Rivals of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

In the Indian market, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga primarily competes with:

• Kia Carens
• Mahindra Marazzo
• Toyota Rumion (which is essentially a re-badged Ertiga)
• Entry-level compact SUVs could also be considered by some buyers.

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fuel Efficiency: Excellent mileage thanks to the Smart Hybrid technology, reducing running costs.
• Maruti's Network: Unmatched service and spares availability across India, ensuring peace of mind.
• Reliability: Maruti Suzuki cars are known for their strong build and long-term reliability.

Comfortable Ride: Tuned suspension provides a comfortable ride quality, especially over broken roads.Spacious Cabin: Generous space for the first two rows, making it ideal for families.Easy to Drive: Light controls and compact dimensions (for an MPV) make it easy to maneuver in city traffic.Value for Money: Offers a compelling package for its price point in the 7-seater segment.

Cons

• Third Row Space: While it's a 7-seater, the third row is best suited for children or short journeys for adults.

Boot Space (All Seats Up): Limited luggage space when all three rows are in use.Features List: Lacks some premium features found in rivals, such as a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, or ventilated seats.No Diesel Option: Only available in petrol and CNG, which might be a drawback for those preferring diesel.Ride at High Speed: Can feel a bit soft at very high speeds or over undulating surfaces.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga truly shines as a practical, reliable, and economical family car for the Indian market. It offers a great balance of space, fuel efficiency, and Maruti's legendary after-sales service. While it might not boast every cutting-edge feature some rivals offer, its core strengths lie in its everyday usability, low running costs, and proven reliability. If you're looking for a hassle-free 7-seater that is easy on your pocket to buy and maintain, the Ertiga is undoubtedly a strong contender. We highly recommend you take a test drive to experience its comfort and practicality firsthand.