KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Ertiga can be had in petrol and CNG versions
- Prices range between Rs 8.69 lakh to Rs 13.03 lakh (ex-showroom)
- ZXi variants on the pricier side of things
- Feels more car-like to drive than an MPV
The Ertiga was introduced at a time when the Innova had become a bit too inaccessible for many buyers. Maruti Suzuki saw a gap in the MPV segment, and that perhaps there was the need for something smaller, but with similar practicality, and the promise of reliability, of course.
The rest, as they say, is history. Even today, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga continues sell in good numbers. Let's take a quick look, but before, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community for the latest automotive updates!
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Design
The first-gen Ertiga was showcased back in 2012, and it was built on Swift's platform. Its design too had influences of many other Suzuki cars, particularly the Ritz'. The peeled-back headlamps, slot-like treatment for the grille, and even upto the side profile bore resemblance to the Ritz. The rear, however, was as you'd expect any other MPV to look like, with the small, wrap-around tail lights further completing that MPV look.
The latest-gen Ertiga has been around for quite sometime, and Maruti has continuously been giving it tweaks here and there, the last major one being back in 2022. The changes included a tweaked grille, headlights, a new dual-tone alloy design, and the addition of two new colour schemes; silver, and deep red metallic.
Also read: Maruti XL6 Pros And Cons: Perfect Balance Of Price And Features?
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Powertrains
When the first-gen model arrived on the scene, we got two powertrain options to choose from. The petrol was an all-new, 1.4-litre K14B unit, producing 93.8bhp and 129Nm of torque, while the diesel had been lifted off of the SX4; the 1.3-litre DDiS (Multijet) producing 88.5bhp and 199Nm of torque. Both these powertrains were initially offered with a 5-speed manual, while a 4-speed automatic was added sometime later.
The current-gen Ertiga was also initially offered with both petrol and diesel options. However, this time, there was a larger 1.5-litre petrol, while the diesel continued to be the Multijet 1.3-litre unit. Sometime later, Maruti Suzuki also offered its in-house developed 1.5-litre diesel engine, which did not live for very long. Then 2020 happened, and Maruti stopped giving us diesels altogether.
In its latest guise, the current-gen Ertiga continues with the 1.5-litre K15C engine, producing 101bhp and 136Nm of torque. While the 5-speed manual gearbox stays, the 4-speed automatic was replaced by a 6-speed automatic transmission. You can also buy a CNG version of the Ertiga as well.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Interiors and Features
The first-gen Ertiga's interiors bear close resemblance to what you'll see on last-gen Dzire if you book an Uber today. The current-gen Ertiga's interiors, however, are a slightly different story; dual-tone theme,with faux wood inserts and an Audi-esque style for the A/C vents, along with a 7-inch infotainment screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other features on offer today include an Arkamys four-speaker, two-tweeter sound system, cruise control, paddle shifters for the automatic variants, automatic headlamps with follow-me function, roof-mounted A/C vents, climate control for the front row, hill-hold, ABS, ESP, airbags, and an engine immobilizer among many other things.
Also read: Renault Triber VS Maruti Ertiga: Which Is The Best 7 Seater Car In India?
Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a relatively easy-to-drive MPV that won't require you to break the bank. If you're looking for a no-nonsense 7-seater MPV that's also hugely reliable, there is no doubting the Ertiga's value proposition. The Kia Carens might offer more features and powertrain options, but the Ertiga covers the basics and gets them just right. Let's not forget that there is a CNG option available too!
