Maruti Ertiga automatic launch likely

The updated Suzuki Ertiga was revealed recently in Indonesia. The updates include tweaks to the exterior and new features added to its interior as well. 

The refreshed Ertiga gets a wider chrome-laden grille up front. The front bumper is all-new and also gets chrome inserts. The side profile remains the same except for alloys with a new design on the higher trims. At the rear, a thick chrome bar runs between the tail-lamps. The boot lid also gets the addition of reflectors near the tail-lamps. Overall, the updated Ertiga seems to have received a lot more bling compared to the rather bland and understated styling of the current model.

On the inside, it gets new upholstery, electric folding wing mirrors, driver window auto-up function and new interior trim colours. Suzuki also claims to have improved sound insulation in the cabin. For the Indian market, the facelifted Ertiga is also expected to get the addition of keyless entry and go, climate control and Maruti’s SmartPlay infotainment system. It could also get different upholstery and interior trim colours.

The engines will be carried over from the current model, but are expected be tweaked to deliver improved fuel efficiency. The facelifted Ertiga is said to be powered by a 1.4-litre K14 petrol engine making 91.73bhp and 13.25kgm of torque; down from the current 93.7bhp and up from the 13.2kgm of torque. The tried and tested 1.3-litre DDiS diesel motor is also expected to undergo a similar treatment. It could, like the Ciaz, also benefit from Maruti’s fuel-saving SHVS tech. The refreshed Ertiga MPV is likley to hit showrooms in October 2015. 

Maruti is expected to equip the updated Ertiga petrol with a four-speed automatic gearbox, and this will make it the first Maruti MPV to come with an automatic transmission. This gearbox is likely to be the same unit that does duty in the Ciaz. The carmaker, however, does offer the AMT gearbox in the Celerio and the Alto K10 and has announced that it will offer CVT automatic in the upcoming Baleno hatchback. 

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