Maruti Suzuki Ertiga review – 4 things to know

Maruti’s first-generation Ertiga was a huge success as customers loved it for its ease of driving, compactness and the very fact that it came with seven seats. It also came with frugal engines, with the option of a CNG variant as well. The Ertiga proved to be a very competitive package over the years, thanks to the aggressive pricing and the brand’s massive sales and service network. Fast-forward to six years later, with lakhs of these MPVs having been sold, Maruti had launched the second-generation model of the Ertiga in 2018. The new model comes with enhanced dimensions, more space and comfort, offering a premium feel. Even the pricing is very similar to its predecessor.

Nothing similar here

The new Maruti Suzuki cars are built on the lighter, fifth-generation Heartect platform that underpins other Marutis and the new Ertiga is lighter too. However, the petrol-engined version is almost as heavy as its predecessor because of the larger engine and the added battery pack. This MPV is also longer, wider and taller, while the wheelbase remains the same. The Ertiga continues to be a rather compact seven-seater. The first-generation Ertiga was quite simple in appearance, while the new one is modern and premium-looking. At the front, it features swept-back projector headlights, a chrome-studded grille and various other details that make it stand out. Even when viewed from the side, the Ertiga bears no resemblance to the old one; it gets chrome door handles, multi-spoke wheels, and a smoked-out D-pillar. At the rear, we like the Ciaz-inspired LED tail lights with a vertical extension.  

Space for seven

Even the cabin is an evolution. However, there are various bits shared with other Marutis, like the gear lever, controls, flat-bottom steering, touchscreen and instrument cluster. The dashboard includes a combination of faux wood and plastic, but we the like the idea of having a dummy AC vent running the width of the dashboard. Stepping in and out is so much easier too because of the height and the Ertiga’s wide-opening doors. The seats up-front are huge and comfortable, thanks to the generous cushioning. There’s even a sliding front armrest as well. Room on the inside has improved, and the big windows and high ceiling add to the space available. The flat floor behind gives way for a third passenger and you also get a roof-mounted blower.

Access to the third row isn’t a task, since the one-touch mechanism ensures the middle seats slide forwards. Here, there is ample room for full-grown adults as well. This row even features a reclining function, particularly for tall passengers. Practicality comes in the form of cooled cupholders, bottle holders and charging outlets. At 209 litres, boot space is better than before. Also, there’s a secret stowage area under the boot floor.

Power matters

Powering the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the K15 1462cc petrol engine that also works in the Ciaz. It produces 103bhp and 138Nm of torque and features a mild-hybrid system that is aided by two batteries. There’s also a lithium-ion pack beneath the passenger seat, which helps provide boost to the petrol motor. The engine start-stop system works smoothly in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The petrol motor is refined and it performs seamlessly in the city, with ample power on offer in the lower revs. It picks up speed from a standstill quite promptly but if you plan an overtake, you’ll need to work the motor that bit more. At high revs, the engine becomes vocal, but for as long as you’re driving at a relaxed pace, the engine is smooth and efficient, returning a claimed mileage of 19.34kpl for the manual gearbox.

We also drove the Ertiga with its 4-speed torque-converter gearbox; it works quite efficiently and shifts in to the highest gear, consuming lesser amounts of fuel. In ‘Low’ mode, you’ll find the Ertiga in the lowest gear possible, which proves useful when climbing up hills. It gets features like hill-hold and ESP.

Final say

We appreciate the levels of refinement of the new petrol engine, but somehow, it lacks punch. For those of you who want the automatic model, will have to sacrifice having a touchscreen system. There’s also a diesel-engined model on offer, but is nowhere near as refined as the petrol and demands quite a premium over the petrol Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. If a value-for-money, hassle-free seven-seater MPV is what you’re looking for, Maruti Suzuki Cars have made a great product of the Ertiga. Also, grab the latest info on the upcoming cars, only at autoX.