It has been a well-known fact that Maruti Suzuki will discontinue all its diesel-powered models ahead of the BS6 deadline, next year. Keeping in line with this, the carmaker has now axed the 1.3-litre diesel-powered engines from the Ertiga’s line-up. The 1.3-litre unit has been used in a wide variety of Maruti models over the years in two states of tune – 75hp/190Nm and 90hp/200Nm. The Fiat-sourced MultiJet diesel was a mainstay of the Ertiga line-up, having being offered in the MPV since its inception back in April 2012.
For now, the Ertiga will be available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that is good for 105hp and 138Nm of torque that’s comes coupled to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed torque-convertor automatic. The petrol engine also comes with Maruti’s SHVS technology – a hybrid system that claims to aid fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the only diesel engine on offer now is the new 95hp, 1.5-litre unit that’s paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. However, this engine will also be discontinued by April 1, 2020 when the BS6 emission norms kick in.
Maruti Suzuki has already launched the BS6-compliant Ertiga at Rs 7.55 lakh, which is available only with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. In terms of rivals, the Ertiga competes with the Mahindra Marazzo, Renault Lodgy and the Honda BR-V. The carmaker recently introduced a CNG-powered version of the MPV at Rs 8.88 lakh. As the 1.3 diesel Ertiga is no longer on offer, the Ertiga diesel range now starts at a Rs 1 lakh higher price point, at Rs 9.86 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki is also gearing up to launch the Ertiga-based XL6 six-seater MPV that is slated to launch on August 21.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
