India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has announced the launch of the BS6-compliant Ertiga MPV. Priced from Rs 7.55 lakh for the base LXi trim and going up to Rs 10.50 lakh for the ZXi automatic, the MPV becomes the fifth Maruti Suzuki model (after the Alto, Swift, Baleno and Wagon R) to meet the updated BS6 emissions norms ahead of the mandated April 1, 2020 deadline.
The BS6-compliant Ertiga will be available with a solitary 1.5-litre petrol engine that is good for 105hp and 138Nm of torque. In terms of transmission, a 5-speed manual gearbox is standard fitment, while a 4-speed torque-convertor automatic is also available. The MPV’s petrol engine also comes with Maruti’s SHVS technology – a hybrid system that claims to aid fuel efficiency.
The cost of upgrades to meet the stringent norms has resulted in prices being hiked by Rs 10,000 at the lower end while top-spec variants now cost around Rs 55,000 more. The Ertiga remains a popular buy and is a regular in the country's top five bestselling UVs. In June 2019, it ranked fourth with a total of 7,567 units being sold.
On July 27, Maruti Suzuki launched the CNG-powered Ertiga at Rs 8.88 lakh. Maruti is also readying the launch of the Ertiga-based XL6 6-seater on August 21, 2019, which will be sold via the carmaker's premium Nexa dealer chain.
(All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.)
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
Hormazd Sorabjee
