Maruti Ertiga variants revealed ahead of next week's launch

Maruti Suzuki second-gen Ertiga will be available across 10 variants – LXi, VXi/VXi AT, ZXi/ZXi AT and ZXi+ for the petrol and LDi, VDi, ZDi and ZDi+ for the diesel. It will be offered with five colour options with a new Pearl Metallic Auburn Red joining the range. Bookings have commenced, beginning from today, for the price of Rs 11,000 at all Arena showrooms across the country.

Based on the new Heartect platform, the India-spec Ertiga is slightly bigger than before but also lighter. It will sit on the same wheelbase but with increased length, thus boosting the cabin space. The carmaker has also laid claims to an improved NVH performance along with strong and rigid construction. Styling wise, the new Ertiga adopts a bold new styling which is more upmarket as well. The most prominent highlight is the new grille flanked by sleeker headlamps which can be seen with projector units and LED daytime running lights. The bumpers have stylish elements around the fog lamps and contrasting black surrounds. The silhouette gets a floating roof design similar to the Swift. And at the rear, there is an L-shaped taillight extending to the D-pillar and a revised tailgate. The multispoke 15-inch alloy wheels also look the part on the updated MPV.

Even the cabin is more upmarket than before. It’s got the new 6.8-inch infotainment screen ‘stuck’ on the centre console and all the features available in the Swift and Baleno. The flat-bottom steering wheel will add a sporty touch to the cabin along with a twin-pod instrument cluster. The dual-tone cabin with wooden inserts running across the dash is expected to offer ample storage space and more room than the outgoing car. Under the hood, there is the all-new K15 petrol engine which debuted in the updated Ciaz that generates around 103bhp and 138Nm. It replaces the current 1.4-litre engine. On the other hand, the diesel is the same 1.3-litre DDiS 200. But now, both engines will get Maruti’s mild hybrid technology, thereby making it more efficient as well. Transmission would be a six-speed manual, with an option of four-speed automatic for petrol.

When launched, we expect a starting price of Rs 7-8 lakhs (ex-showroom). The new Ertiga will GO up against the newly-introduced Mahindra Marazzo apart from Honda BR-V.