Buying a new car in India is a big decision. You're thinking about your budget, how safe it is for your family, the monthly running costs, all the cool new features, and of course, how easy it is to get it serviced. Well, what if there was a car that ticked most, if not all, of these boxes? Today, we're taking a deep dive into one such popular choice: the new Maruti Ertiga ZXI Plus. Is it the perfect family MPV for you? Let's find out!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

Under the hood, the Maruti Ertiga ZXI Plus is powered by Maruti Suzuki’s proven K15C Smart Hybrid petrol engine. This is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit.

• Engine type: K15C Smart Hybrid
• Displacement: 1462 cc
• Max Power: 101.64bhp@6000rpm
• Max Torque: 139Nm@4300rpm

Design Overview

The Ertiga ZXI Plus perfectly blends functionality with a touch of sophistication, making it a head-turner on Indian roads.

• Exterior: The refreshed Ertiga gets a bold new chrome grille that gives it a premium look. Sharp projector headlamps, stylish dual-tone alloy wheels, and chrome accents on the door handles add to its appeal. The distinct LED tail lamps ensure it stands out, especially at night. Its compact yet spacious MPV design makes it practical for city driving and highway cruises.
• Interior: Step inside and you are greeted by a dual-tone cabin with a pleasant wood finish on the dashboard, giving it an upmarket feel. The focus is on comfort and practicality. All three rows offer decent space, making long journeys more comfortable for the family. The seats are well-cushioned, and the overall fit and finish are impressive for its segment.

Key Features

The ZXI Plus variant is the top-spec model, packed with modern conveniences.

• Infotainment System: A crisp 7-inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: Seamless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, along with Suzuki Connect telematics for advanced features.
• Sunroof: No sunroof option is available in the Ertiga, which is common for this segment.
• 360-degree Camera: Yes, a very useful feature for parking in tight spots.
• Wireless Charging: Yes, keep your compatible smartphone charged without cables.
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control ensures comfortable cabin temperatures.
• Cruise Control: Makes highway driving a breeze.
• Paddle Shifters: Available with the automatic transmission for a more engaging drive.
• Sound System: Arkamys Surround Sense for an enhanced audio experience.

Ground Clearance

The Ertiga offers a ground clearance of 185 mm, which is adequate for most Indian road conditions, easily tackling speed breakers and minor undulations.

Boot Space

• With all 7 seats up: 209 litres (enough for a couple of soft bags).
• With 3rd-row seats folded: 550 litres (ample for family trips).
• With 2nd and 3rd-row seats folded: 803 litres (very versatile for cargo).

Dimensions

• Length: 4365 mm
• Width: 1735 mm
• Height: 1690 mm
• Wheelbase: 2740 mm

Powertrain Options

The Ertiga ZXI Plus comes with the reliable K15C Smart Hybrid petrol engine. You have two transmission choices:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission: For those who prefer direct control and slightly better fuel efficiency.
• 6-speed Automatic Transmission: A smooth torque converter unit for relaxed city driving and highway cruising, now with paddle shifters.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Ertiga ZXI Plus with a good set of safety features.

• Dual Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Program ESP
• Hill Hold Assist
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Parking Sensors
• 360-degree Camera for enhanced visibility during parking
• Speed Alert System

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a key concern for Indian buyers, and NCAP ratings provide an independent assessment.

• Bharat NCAP rating: Expected. As Bharat NCAP is newly launched, the Ertiga is yet to be tested under this program.
• Global NCAP rating: The previous generation Maruti Ertiga, tested in 2019, received 4 stars for adult occupant protection and 3 stars for child occupant protection. It's important to note that testing protocols evolve, and we await ratings for the current model.

Rivals of Maruti Ertiga ZXI Plus

The Maruti Ertiga ZXI Plus faces competition from other popular MPVs in the Indian market. Its main rivals include:

• Kia Carens
• Mahindra Marazzo
• Toyota Rumion (which is essentially a rebadged Ertiga, offering similar practicality with a different badge)

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let's weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you decide.

Pros

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The Smart Hybrid system genuinely helps in delivering impressive mileage, a big plus for Indian buyers.
• Spacious and Practical Cabin: Comfortable seating for 7, highly versatile for family use and cargo.
• Maruti Suzuki's Service Network: Unmatched reach and affordability for after-sales service and spare parts.
• Reliability: Maruti cars are known for their bulletproof reliability and low maintenance costs.
• Feature-Rich ZXI Plus: Gets all the essential modern features like the 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and connected tech.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: Handles bumps well, making it a good choice for varied road conditions.

Cons

• Engine Performance: While adequate for daily commuting, the 1.5L engine can feel a bit underpowered with a full load on highways. It's not a performance-oriented car.
• No Sunroof: A feature many buyers look for in top variants, but it's absent here.
• Third-Row Space: Best suited for children or short distances for adults.
• Perceived Build Quality: While improved, some competitors might feel a notch above in terms of solid build, though Ertiga is safe enough as per GNCAP rating for the previous gen.
• Limited Customization: Not many options for personalizing the car directly from the factory.

Conclusion

The Maruti Ertiga ZXI Plus truly shines as a fantastic value-for-money MPV for Indian families. It offers a winning combination of space, fuel efficiency, practical features, and the peace of mind that comes with Maruti Suzuki's vast service network. While it might not be a powerhouse in terms of performance or offer a sunroof, it excels in what it promises: a reliable, comfortable, and affordable family mover. If you're looking for a practical 7-seater that won't break the bank on running costs and is packed with useful features, the Ertiga ZXI Plus should definitely be at the top of your shortlist. Take it for a test drive and experience its appeal firsthand! Happy motoring!