Maruti Suzuki has launched the Ertiga with its new in-house developed 1.5-litre diesel engine. As on the Ciaz where it made its debut, the engine makes 95hp and 225Nm on the MPV and comes coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox. However, the new engine does not replace the tried-and-tested 90hp, 1.3-litre diesel; instead they will be sold alongside each other. The addition of this higher capacity unit means that the Ertiga is now even better equipped to compete against its closest rival MPVs, namely the Mahindra Marazzo and the Renault Lodgy. We compare the top-spec variants of each, on paper.
Dimensions
In terms of dimensions, the Ertiga is the shortest, narrowest and has the smallest turning radius in this comparison. However, despite its compact footprint, the Ertiga has a spacious cabin and the second largest boot. The Lodgy has the longest wheelbase and also the largest turning radius, at 5.55m. The Mahindra Marazzo is the largest across all parameters barring the wheelbase and the boot space, which at 190 litres is the smallest of the lot.
Engine, gearbox and mileage
With the introduction of the new 1.5-litre diesel, the Ertiga is now on par with its rivals in terms of engine displacement. However, it does miss out on the mild-hybrid setup that is available with the older 1.3-litre unit. All competitors here are powered by turbocharged, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel motors. However, the Ertiga’s unit puts out the least amount of power (95hp) and also the lowest torque figure (225Nm). The Marazzo is the clear segment leader here with 123hp and 300Nm on tap. All MPVs come with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ertiga 1.5 reigns supreme with an ARAI-rated 24.20kpl, followed by Lodgy that is rated at 19.98kpl. The Marazzo is the most powerful but trails the other two MPV’s in fuel economy with a figure of 17.3kpl.
Features
All MPVs in this comparison come well equipped in their top-spec variants. All feature a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, keyless entry and rear parking sensors with a camera. However, the Lodgy misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Ertiga is the only one here that gets a push-button start/stop system, while the Lodgy is the odd one out, missing out on auto climate control. In terms of safety, all the MPVs come with dual airbags, ABS and EBD.
Prices
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga continues to undercut all its rivals on all trim levels. The Ertiga is the best-selling MPV in the segment and with a price this competitive, it sure seems like it will remain just so.
*Mahindra Marazzo prices are ex-showroom, pan-India
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Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
