Hey car buyers of India

Are you on the hunt for a new family car that ticks all the right boxes? The journey to finding your perfect ride often starts with a lot of questions. What about the budget? How safe is it for my family? Will monthly maintenance break the bank? Does it come with the latest features, and more importantly, is the company service reliable?

If these questions resonate with you, then you are in the right place. Today, we are taking a deep dive into a car that has become a household name for many Indian families: the new Maruti Ertiga VXi (O) CNG. Known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and Maruti Suzukis widespread service network, the Ertiga CNG promises to be a strong contender for your garage. Lets find out if it truly lives up to the hype.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Ertiga VXi (O) CNG is Maruti Suzukis tried and tested 1.5-litre K15C Smart Hybrid engine. While it runs on petrol, the VXi (O) variant offers a factory-fitted CNG kit, making it incredibly economical to run.

• Engine Type: 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid (Petrol with CNG option)
• Max Power (Petrol): 103 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque (Petrol): 136.8 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Max Power (CNG): 86.63bhp@5500rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 121.5Nm@4200rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Fuel Efficiency (CNG): Approximately 26.11 km/kg

Design Overview

The Ertiga strikes a balance between a sleek family car and a functional MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle).

Exterior Design

• Front: A bold new chrome winged front grille gives it a premium look. Projector headlamps and fog lamps (depending on variant) enhance visibility.
• Side: Clean lines and a subtle shoulder crease give it an elegant profile. Stylish alloy wheels (for higher variants, VXi gets steel wheels with covers) complement its stance.
• Rear: L-shaped LED tail lamps are a distinctive feature, providing a modern touch.

Interior Design

• Cabin: A dual-tone interior theme (beige and grey) creates an airy and inviting atmosphere. The dashboard has a modern design with faux wood or metallic accents.
• Seating: Comfortable seating for seven passengers across three rows. The second row offers good legroom and can be reclined or folded. The third row is best suited for children or for shorter journeys.
• Practicality: Numerous storage spaces including cup holders, bottle holders, and a cooled cup holder (in some variants) make it practical for long drives.

Key Features

The VXi (O) trim of the Ertiga CNG comes with a respectable list of features that enhance comfort and convenience.

• 7-inch SmartPlay Pro Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Steering-mounted audio and calling controls
• Automatic Climate Control (Auto AC)
• Power windows (front and rear)
• Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors)
• Remote central locking
• Rear parking sensors
• Height-adjustable drivers seat
• Cooled front cup holders
• No sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging in this variant.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Maruti Ertiga VXi (O) CNG?

The Maruti Ertiga offers a decent ground clearance of 185 mm, which is adequate for navigating Indian roads and occasional rough patches without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of the Maruti Ertiga VXi (O) CNG?

This is a crucial aspect for any family car.

• With all three rows up: 209 litres
• With the third row folded: Expands to 550 litres
• With both second and third rows folded: Up to 803 litres

However, for the CNG variant, the boot space is significantly impacted due to the CNG tank. You will find reduced usable space behind the third row, making it ideal for smaller bags or light luggage when all seven seats are occupied. Expect around 132 litres of usable boot space with the CNG tank installed.

What are the Dimensions of the Maruti Ertiga VXi (O) CNG?

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

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Ertiga is primarily offered with two powertrain options, both based on the K15C 1.5-litre engine:

• 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid Petrol (available with 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission)
• 1.5L K15C CNG (available only with 5-speed manual transmission)

The VXi (O) CNG variant focuses on the manual transmission paired with the highly economical CNG system.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Ertiga with several safety features to protect its occupants.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist (primarily available in automatic variants)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts (for second-row seats)
• Seat Belt Reminders for all occupants
• High-speed alert system

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a paramount concern for family cars.

It is important to note that while the Global NCAP rating is for the previous model, the current Ertiga is built on the same HEARTECT platform. We eagerly await official Bharat NCAP results for the updated model.

Rivals of Maruti Ertiga VXi (O) CNG

The Maruti Ertiga operates in a competitive segment. Its main rivals include:

• Kia Carens
• Toyota Rumion (a rebadged Ertiga)
• Mahindra Marazzo

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Lets break down the good and the not-so-good about the Maruti Ertiga VXi (O) CNG.

Pros:

• Unbeatable Fuel Efficiency: The CNG option delivers excellent mileage, making it incredibly economical for daily commutes and long trips.
• Spacious 7-Seater Cabin: Comfortable seating for seven, perfect for large families or carpooling.
• Low Running and Maintenance Costs: Maruti Suzukis extensive service network and affordable spare parts ensure peace of mind.
• Refined Engine: The 1.5-litre engine is smooth and relatively quiet, offering a comfortable driving experience.
• City Friendly: Easy to drive in urban traffic with light controls and compact dimensions for an MPV.
• Reliable Resale Value: Maruti Suzuki cars generally hold their value well in the used car market.

Cons:

• Compromised Boot Space: The CNG tank significantly reduces the usable boot space, especially when all three rows are in use.
• Modest Performance on CNG: While economical, the power output on CNG is lower than petrol, which can be felt during overtakes or on inclines with a full load.
• Limited Features in VXi (O): Lacks some premium features like a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, or ventilated seats found in higher variants or rivals.
• Dated Safety Rating: The 3-star Global NCAP rating from 2019, while acceptable then, is now considered average by todays standards.
• No Automatic Option for CNG: CNG is only available with a manual gearbox, which might be a deal-breaker for some urban buyers.

Conclusion

The Maruti Ertiga VXi (O) CNG truly shines as a practical, economical, and family-friendly MPV. It expertly addresses the core concerns of Indian car buyers: budget, running costs, and seating capacity. While it might not be the most feature-rich or the highest-rated in terms of safety, its strengths in fuel efficiency, cabin space, and Maruti Suzukis trustworthy after-sales service make it an incredibly compelling package.

If you are a family-oriented buyer looking for a reliable 7-seater that wont pinch your pocket on fuel or maintenance, and you are willing to make a slight compromise on boot space and some premium features, the Ertiga VXi (O) CNG is definitely worth considering. We highly recommend taking it for a test drive to experience its comfort and efficiency firsthand. It might just be the perfect addition to your family.