Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the first ever Utility Vehicle (UV) developed by the largest Indian car marker. This compact Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) not only marks the manufacturer's entry into the UV segment of the country, but also shows that it is ready to venture out of its comfort zone of hatchbacks and into the aggressive world of SUVs and MPVs. However, before it can reign supreme in the fastest growing segment of the domestic automotive industry, the company will have to face market leaders like Mahindra Xylo and Toyota Innova.

Upon its launch in the Indian market, the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is marketed as a Life Utility Vehicle (LUV) since it is designed to cater to the mobility needs of the modern urban family. In this regard, Suzuki's engineers liaised with Maruti personnel at the former's Japanese headquarters to come up with a model that was well suited to 'Indian sensibilities' as the company put it. The unique feature of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in India is that it offers ample space for passengers as well as luggage despite its compact frame.

The company launched the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in India in petrol and diesel variants that offer decent mileage, a trademark of the company. Since the car is developed on the platform of the wildly successful Swift, premium features and class-leading handling and efficiency is expected from it. Previously known as the R3, Ertiga will prove whether the biggest car maker of India is capable of coming up with a game changing UV or not. The car has emerged as the best choice for a family that is moving from an entry level sedan to a bigger vehicle that has decent features and excellent performance.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Launch History

Maruti Suzuki Ertigahas been launched on April 12, 2012. Before the official launch event, it was showcased at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo in January 2012, where it garnered appreciation for its modern and trendy design as well as plenty of comfort and convenience features.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Variants

Name of Variant	Details
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga LXi	The base petrol variant of the car, Ertiga LXi features like power windows, power steering, body colour bumpers and air conditioning are expected to be assimilated in it as standard features.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXi	This is the mid level variant of Ertiga in India and comes with standard features like central locking, electrically adjustable ORVMs, keyless entry, adjustable headrests and ABS with EBD.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXi	It is the top end petrol variant of Ertiga in the domestic market. Notable features that distinguish it from other variants of the model include airbags, leather seats, music system and steering wheel and gear knob draped in quality leather.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga LDi	The base diesel version of Ertiga in the country will share all the features with the LXi variant of the car. These include manually adjustable Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) and multi trip meters.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VDi	Ertiga VDi variant in mid level diesel variant of the car in the domestic market. The host of features present in the model include rear armrest with cup holder, tinted glass and folding rear seats.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZDi	The top diesel model in the Ertiga line up, it includes various features that are not present in its siblings, such as rear air conditioning vents, steering mounted controls and fog lamps.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Pricing

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga price in India is extremely lucrative, which has helped the company get many orders for the model. Ertiga price positions it between its two main competitors in India – Mahindra Xylo and Toyota Innova – in the Indian automotive market.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Review

Maruti Suzuki has done well by coming up with its first MPV when the segment itself is booming at the rate of 14 per cent per annum. The company has high expectations from the Ertiga in India, which has been assimilated with powerful engines, several features and an eye catching design. The company leverage upon its vast service network to sell this car.

This seven seater has 2x3x2 configuration, wherein the last two seats can accommodate kids only. The manufacturer has been successful in providing the passengers with decent headroom, leg room and shoulder room within the relatively small frame of the Ertiga. It has ample features that make it ideal for a large urban family that wants a comfortable car which suits its travelling needs. Thus, it can be justified that due to its lucrative pricing the car can easily emerge as winner in the MPV segment in coming times.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Specifications

In the form of the new Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki has come up with a technically sound model that takes care of the mobility needs of large families with utmost ease. In order to render a pleasant driving experience to the passengers, the company has assimilated its suspension unit with independent MacPherson struts and torsion beams to absorb shocks. The front disk brakes and rear drum brakes ensure that the drivers can control new Ertiga even at the highest of speeds. While both variants of Ertiga have two trip meters and fuel tank capacity of 45 litres, the petrol version has kerb weight of 1160 kg and diesel edition has kerb weight of 1235 kg.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Exterior

Exterior Appearance

In terms of exterior appearance, the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga looks like an oversized hatchback. Since it is developed on the platform of the Swift, it incorporates a number of design features, albeit modifications. This compact MPV surely make heads turn when it zooms on the roads due to its aerodynamic body. Its front fascia has been heavily inspired by its sibling Ritz, with its headlamps as the sole change. The slot-like grille holds the Suzuki badge and is placed just between the bonnet and curved bumper. Ertiga in India has air inlets and enclosures that carry the fog lights render it the appeal of a MPV.

This attractive model boasts of the swept back headlamps merge into the sides seamlessly, well defined character lines on the sides. Its roof is curved, which adds to the overall appearance of the model and make it more appealing. Body coloured bumpers and ORVMs impart an elegant and distinguished look to the new Ertiga as well. The tail lamps of the car emerge from the ends of sides and overall look of the rear is quite sporty, much like that of Honda Jazz. A quarter length glass present in the rear will allow passengers seated in the third row to easily view the scenes outside.

Exterior Dimensions

The measures of the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are tabulated below:

Criterion	Measurement (mm)
Length	4275
Width	1695
Height	1685
Wheelbase	2740
Ground Clearance	185

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Interior

Interior Appearance

The dashboard of Ertiga is exactly the same as that of the Swift, though the colours are different. Light brown two tone colour scheme with beige interiors render a soothing look to the vehicles. The finishing, quality and texture of the interiors reflects the concern that the company has for the comfort needs of its customers. It has provided a decent seating arrangement within the small wheelbase of the MPV without compromising on the grounds of comfort. New Ertiga has ample space to seat 5 passengers comfortably, though the last row is clearly suited for youngsters only.

Interior Comfort

In trademark Maruti Suzuki style, the company has included a number of features that make the Ertiga ideal for a family that values its comfort above all else. It has all the features of a sedan, such as 3-spoke, tilt adjustable electric steering with mounted controls, air conditioners, a power packed music system with USB Compatibility and 6 speakers (front and back). Electrically adjustable ORVMs, power windows with auto down functionality, central locking, keyless entry and multi information display are other features that make Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in India suitable for a family that seeks a number of interior comfort features in a new car.

Interior Measurements

This seven seater provides ample space to those who wish to buy a family car. Sufficient leg room, headroom, shoulder room and knee room is the plus points of the new Ertiga. However, if all seats are occupied, there is almost no room left for the luggage, thus making it unsuitable for long trips with the whole family.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Fuel Economy

According to the Press Release published by Maruti Suzuki, the two editions of new Ertiga deliver extremely well in terms of mileage. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga average on Indian roads is 20.77 kmpl for the diesel variant, whereas the petrol version of the model delivers 16.02 kmpl, according to CMV rule 155, India cycle. In terms of emissions, the petrol model produces 13.25 kgm of CO2, whereas the diesel version emits 20.39 kgm of carbon.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga On Road Drive

Auto experts who have taken the new Ertiga for a test drive have reported that the model does exceedingly well in terms of drive quality and handling. The steering wheel is said to be accurately positioned and the body roll is believed to be easily controllable by the driver under normal driving conditions. Due to the small turning radius of 5.2 metres, the car does very well on city roads, while its wide wheels ensure that the model maintains a constant grip on the roads effortlessly. The braking and handling of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in India is also said to be excellent, which adds to the overall driving experience of the passengers.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Power

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is first model in the manufacturer's line up that is powered by the new K-14 VVT petrol engine. This 1323 cc motor is capable of delivering power output of 94 cc at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 130 Nm at 4000 rpm.

On the other hand, the diesel variants of the model are powered by the 1.3 L Multijet unit with Direct Diesel injection System (DDiS). This 1248 cc motor is capable of producing 88.5 hp of power at 4000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. The new Ertiga is the fourth car in Maruti's portfolio to use this diesel unit manufactured by Fiat India, since the car maker already uses it in Swift premium hatchback, Ritz hatchback and Swift DZire entry level sedan.

Both the versions of Ertiga are supplemented with a 5 speed gearbox, though an automatic gearbox may be in the offing. All variants of the model are BS-IV compliant and, thus, produce lesser amount of CO2 while delivering better fuel efficiency.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Acceleration and Pick Up

With the help of the five speed automatic transmission system, the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in India performs well in terms of acceleration. The petrol version of the car can smoothly move from 0 to 100 kmph in just 15 seconds whereas its diesel counterpart can race to the same speed in 15.5 seconds. In terms of speed, Ertiga can clock maximum speed of 155 kmph with ease.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Safety and Security

With safety on the top of its lists of concerns, Maruti Suzuki has assimilated its new Ertiga in India with a host of features that ensure vehicular and occupant safety. These include one air bag each for the driver and front passenger, brake assist and Antilock Barking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The engine immobiliser, fog lamps and roof made of highly tensile material are among the other notable safety features of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Comfort and Convenience

As a family car, the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is complemented with a number of features that make the passengers comfortable while riding the car. It is high in terms of comfort and convenience features, including air conditioning with Climate Control functionality, power windows, rake type manual steering adjustment and steering mounted audio control buttons. The new Ertiga also has remote central locking, boot and fuel filler, along with rear wiper, air conditioning vents, defogger and armrest with cupholder. A capable music system, folding seats, tinted glass, alloy wheels, both side electric door mirrors and optional leather seats also add to the comfort and convenience factor of the Ertiga in India.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Wheels

The Ertiga runs on 15 inch wide alloy wheels of 185/65 size that allow it to move across the city smoothly.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Stereo and Accessories

Maruti Suzuki has decided to use a Nippon Kenwood audio system with 4+2 speaker configuration in its Ertiga model for passengers' entertainment while driving. This music system comes with mp3, FM, AM and radio compatibility and CD player with remote function. The remote functionality aids passengers seated on the rear seats to hear the music of their choice or switch between various modes without the driver or front passenger's help.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Dealers

India's largest auto maker Maruti Suzuki has an extensive dealership network across the country, which has enabled it to attain a strong position in the domestic market. It has over 450 outlets in more than 250 cities across the nation, which helps in selling new Ertiga model to potential buyers throughout the country. Some of the prominent Maruti dealers in New Delhi are Magic Auto, T. R. Sawhney Motors Pvt. Ltd. and Rana Motors Pvt. Ltd. Likewise, outlets like Sai Service Station Ltd., Spectra Motors Ltd., Excell Autovista Pvt. Ltd. and Fortpoint Automotive Pvt. Ltd. are crucial for the sales of Ertiga in Mumbai. Similarly, the company relies on ABT Maruti Suzuki Ltd., Cars India Pvt Ltd. and Indus Motors Co. Pvt. Ltd. to sell the model in Chennai. In Kolkata, the prominent dealers who will sell Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are Auto Hitech Pvt. Ltd., Dewar's Garage and Jalan Distributors. With such an extensive dealership network in all cities of India, Maruti Suzuki should be successful in selling the model to buyers based across the length and breadth of the country.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Company Quotes

At the official unveiling of the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga during the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), commented, “The global premier of the Utility Vehicle portfolio at the Auto Expo is an iconic event as it is a reflection of the Company's preparedness for the future competitive scenario. The Ertiga brings space, style and compactness to Utility vehicles for customers in India. As India gears to be amongst the largest global automobile markets by 2020, with the foray into UV segment, Maruti Suzuki will strengthen its leadership position in the industry. With Ertiga the Maruti Suzuki will step into the Utility Vehicle segments and effectively create a new Compact MPV segment in India."

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Competitor Analysis

In the domestic market, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga faces off against two major competitors – Mahindra Xylo and Toyota Innova. Both these cars have enjoyed a successful stint in the Indian automotive market and are counted amongst the best in this segment. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga’s inaugural prices are lucrative enough to lure buyers, while the manufacturer’s dealership network is much stronger than that of its competitors.

Toyota Innova is a Multi Premium Vehicle (MPV), as the Japanese car maker puts it, which has enjoyed tremendous popularity in the country since its launch in the year 2005. The car comes in 7 seater and 8 seater configurations as opposed to 7 seater configuration of the new Ertiga. Petrol variant of Innova is powered by a BSIV compliant 1998 cc, 2 L 1 TR-FE engine that produces 130 hp of power at 5600 rpm and 181 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. On the other hand, the diesel edition of the model runs on a BS IV compliant 2494 cc, 2.5 L 2KD-FTV with Intercooler Turbocharger. This motor is capable of generating maximum power of 100 hp at 3600 Nm and torque of 200 Nm at 1400-3400 rpm. Just like the Ertiga, both editions of the model come with a 5 speed manual gearbox for gear shifts. In terms of size, the car is larger than Maruti's MPV and stands 4585 mm in length, 1760 mm in width and 1760 mm in height. Toyota gave Innova a makeover in January 2012 and revised its pricing, thus placing it within the price bracket of Rs. 9 to 11 lacs.

Mahindra Xylo is the other major competitor of Ertiga in the domestic MPV market that is available with three diesel engine options, though no petrol variants are present. Its 2489 cc, 2.5 K mDI CRDI diesel engine produce 95 hp of power at 3600 rpm and 220 Nm torque at 1400-2600 rpm. The 2498 cc, 2.5 L mEAGLE diesel unit generates 112 hp of power at 3800 rpm and 260 Nm of torque at 1800-2200 rpm. Lastly, it’s 2.2 L, 2179 cc mHawk diesel motor deliver 120 cc power at 4000 rpm and 280 Nm torque at 2400–2800 rpm. Priced between Rs. 8.5 and 10.5 lacs, this model also underwent a facelift and now measures 4520 mm in length, 1850 mm in width and 1895 mm in height.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga LPG/CNG Variants

Presently, there are no LPG/CNG variants of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in India.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Pros

The looks, performance and pricing of the new Ertiga are some of the factors that will help it gain traction in the market. Moreover, the company's vast experience in coming up with family oriented models that deliver well in terms of comfort and convenience are also some of the positives for the car.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Cons

The manufacturer's relative inexperience with UVs may turn out to be the biggest challenge for the sales of Ertiga in India.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Conclusion

The new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga comes as a welcome change in the booming MPV segment of India. It is well positioned in the domestic market to shape the industry in the long term, especially considering its performance and pricing, which have been able to please the buyers. The company has developed it on the successful platform of Swift, which has spawned a class-leading hatchback and a popular entry level sedan. Therefore, Maruti Suzuki has made all requisite efforts to ensure that Ertiga in India also repeats the success of the two models and becomes the leader of the segment. Though the prospects look good for the car, it is likely to enjoy the level of success that can be expected from a family vehicle developed by Maruti because of buyers' possible apprehension towards its first ever MPV.