With seating for seven, an easy-to-drive character and an affordable price tag, the original Maruti Suzuki Ertiga made for a sensible choice for buyers with large families. The new, second-generation model builds on the proven formula by providing a slightly more premium experience too. Question is, which version of the new Maruti Ertiga makes most sense for you? Let’s break it down.
What are the engines on offer?
The new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is available with a 90hp, 1.3-litre diesel engine like the earlier model, and a new 1.5-litre petrol engine. The diesel engine is a bit long in the tooth now and is quite loud by modern-day standards. There’s also quite a bit of turbo lag to contend with. However, the diesel unit that features Suzuki’s SHVS hybrid system is very efficient (ARAI-tested economy is 25.4kpl) and is worth considering if you cover a lot of kilometres every month. Unfortunately, there is no diesel automatic option.
The Ertiga petrol uses Suzuki’s latest 105hp, 1.5-litre engine that also features hybrid tech, albeit with a more advanced dual-battery setup. The hybrid arrangement is said to enhance performance and fuel economy. The ARAI-tested fuel economy is 19.3kpl for the manual and 18.6kpl for the automatic. While not a lively performer, the Ertiga petrol is smooth, refined and adequate for everyday city use. The manual gearbox is easy to use and city dwellers will also take readily to the smooth-shifting, 4-speed automatic.
What are the variants on offer?
The diesel manual and petrol manual Ertiga are available in four variants (namely L,V, Z and Z+), but those interested in the petrol-automatic version will be disappointed to know it can only be had in mid-spec V and Z versions. What’s good is that all versions of the Maruti Ertiga come with safety essentials such as dual airbags, ABS, EBD, Isofix child seat mounts, speed-sensitive door locks, and rear parking sensors.
Ertigas in base-spec L trim (Rs 7.44 lakh P-MT; Rs 8.84 lakh D-MT) also get a reasonable amount of comfort features including power windows, air conditioning, central locking, a tilt adjustable steering as well as 60:40 split folding middle rows and 50:50 split last row with recline. Halogen projector headlamps are also standard fit on the Ertiga.
Ertigas in V trim (Rs 8.16 lakh P-MT, Rs 9.18 lakh P-AT, Rs 9.56 lakh D-MT) add wheel caps for the 15-inch rims, body-coloured door handles and electrically adjustable wing mirrors with integrated indicators. Also part of the kit on V trim Ertigas is an audio system with Bluetooth, steering-mounted audio controls, an armrest for the middle row, rear air-con vents and remote locking. Automatic Ertigas get the added safety of ESP and hill-hold assist.
Higher-spec Z trim Ertigas (Rs 8.99 lakh P-MT; Rs 9.95 lakh P-AT; Rs 10.39 lakh D-MT) see the inclusion of 15-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps on the outside. Added features on the inside include keyless entry and go, a height- adjustable driver’s seat and seatbelt, front centre armrest, auto climate control and rear defogger with wash/wipe.
The top-spec Etrigas, the Z+ variants (Rs 9.50 lakh P-MT; Rs 10.90 lakh D-MT) are the only ones with Maruti’s Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system and a reverse camera.
Which is the version to buy?
As mentioned already, only opt for the diesel if your monthly running is very high. The diesel engine isn’t the nicest and the Rs 1.4 lakh increment over a comparable petrol is hard to justify for a low mileage user.
Money no object, we’d recommend the fully loaded ZXi+ that gives you all the features you’d want within a budget of Rs 10 lakh. Buyers who’d be driving themselves would be well advised to go for the ZXi AT that also falls under the Rs 10 lakh mark.
However, if it’s sheer value you are looking for, it’s the VXi that we’d recommend. It is well priced and offers a good list of comfort features to keep middle row and last row occupants satisfied.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
