2018 Suzuki Ertiga vs rivals: Specifications comparison

Suzuki recently unveiled the all new Ertiga at the 2018 Indonesia motor show, and it’s scheduled to come to India later this year, with an expected launch around Diwali. Just like Toyota did with the Innova Crysta, Suzuki too has moved the new Ertiga a step higher. The new MPV, built on an all-new platform, has grown in dimensions and now also features plusher interiors along with more equipment. When launched, it would take on the likes of the Renault Lodgy and Honda BR-V and will competition in the form of the upcoming Mahindra MPV, currently codenamed U321.

The new Ertiga is larger than the outgoing model, particularly in terms of its length and width, which should mean more space on the inside, though the wheelbase is unchanged. Despite the increase, you can expect the weight of the new model to drop due to the new Heartect platform that it shares with the Baleno, Swift, Dzire and Ignis.

Coming to the Lodgy, it has the largest exterior dimensions, as well as the longest wheelbase, which should make it the most spacious on the inside. Thanks to the SUV-like flavour, the Honda has the highest ground clearance here, along with the largest tyres and wheels.

*Indonesia-spec model

Interiors and equipment

All three feature a seven-seat configuration, though the Lodgy also comes with an eight-seater option. In terms of safety features, the Japanese brands offer two airbags as standard across the range while the French marginally lags behind with one airbag on mid-spec trims and two on higher ones. ABS is standard on all three MPVs. In terms of interior features, all three get a touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, though only the Lodgy gets cruise control, and the Ertiga and BR-V get push-button start.

Engines

The interesting bit about the new Ertiga is that it will come with new engine options. At launch, the new 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine will replace the older model’s 1.4-litre petrol engine. The current Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre motor will continue at launch. Suzuki is developing a 1.5-litre diesel that will replace it at a later date. 

But, even with the more powerful 105hp engine, the BR-V’s 119hp/145Nm motor outpowers the Ertiga. However, their power-to-weight ratios should be close, which should mean performance won’t be too much of a differentiating factor. In addition, the six-speed manual on the Honda should make it more fuel efficient on the highway, although Maruti does claim a higher overall fuel economy figure.

The current Ertiga on sale in India gets the option of a four-speed automatic on the 1.4 petrol, while the BR-V has an optional CVT automatic on its 1.5 petrol.

*Indonesia-spec model
^#4-speed automatic available on petrol engine
^##CVT option available on petrol engine

Pricing

Expect the new Ertiga to carry a price tag that is about Rs 30,000-40,000 more than the current model. Even at this price point, the Ertiga will continue to be a very good value-for-money proposition as the pricing for the diesel-engine variants is on par with the Lodgy’s. The Honda BR-V, meanwhile, costs a significant premium over its rivals.