The Maruti Ertiga has become a household name in India’s automotive landscape since its introduction in 2012.
This Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) has carved out a niche for itself, offering a perfect blend of comfort, space, and affordability.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the various aspects that make the Maruti Ertiga a popular choice among Indian families.
Design and Exterior
The Maruti Ertiga boasts a sleek and modern design that sets it apart from its competitors.
Its exterior features a bold front grille, stylish projector headlamps, and well-defined character lines that run along the side profile.
The MPV’s aerodynamic shape not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to improved fuel efficiency.
Key exterior features include:
Chrome-accented front grille
LED projector headlamps with daytime running lights
Fog lamps for improved visibility
15-inch alloy wheels (on higher variants)
Roof-mounted antenna
Rear spoiler for a sporty look
The Ertiga’s design philosophy focuses on creating a vehicle that looks both premium and practical, appealing to families who desire a stylish yet functional MPV.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Maruti Ertiga, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious and well-designed cabin.
The interior exudes a sense of premium quality, with attention to detail evident in the choice of materials and finishes.
Notable interior features include:
Dual-tone dashboard with wood-finish inserts
Leather-wrapped steering wheel (on top variants)
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Automatic climate control
Keyless entry and push-button start
Rear AC vents for second and third-row passengers
The Ertiga’s seating arrangement is one of its strongest selling points. With three rows of seats, it can comfortably accommodate seven passengers.
The second row features a 60:40 split, while the third row has a 50:50 split, offering multiple seating configurations to suit various needs.
Comfort is further enhanced by:
Ample legroom and headroom in all three rows
Adjustable headrests for all passengers
Reclining second-row seats
Flat-folding third-row seats for increased cargo space
Performance and Engine Options
The Maruti Ertiga is available with two engine options, catering to different driving preferences and fuel choices:
1.5L K15B Petrol Engine:
Power output: 104 bhp
Torque: 138 Nm
Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
1.5L S-CNG Engine:
Power output: 91 bhp (CNG mode) / 104 bhp (Petrol mode)
Torque: 122 Nm (CNG mode) / 138 Nm (Petrol mode)
Transmission: 5-speed manual only
Both engines offer a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The petrol variant, equipped with Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid technology, provides an additional boost in fuel economy and reduced emissions.
The Ertiga’s ride quality is commendable, with a well-tuned suspension system that absorbs road imperfections effectively.
The MPV handles well in city traffic and on highways, offering a comfortable driving experience for both short commutes and long journeys.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the Ertiga’s strongest suits is its impressive fuel efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the claimed mileage figures:
Petrol Manual: 19.01 km/l
Petrol Automatic: 17.99 km/l
CNG: 26.08 km/kg
These figures make the Ertiga one of the most fuel-efficient MPVs in its segment, contributing to its popularity among budget-conscious families.
Safety Features
Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Ertiga with a range of safety features to ensure the well-being of its occupants. Standard safety features across all variants include:
Dual front airbags
ABS with EBD
ISOFIX child seat anchorages
Speed-sensitive auto door lock
Engine immobilizer
Central locking
Higher variants offer additional safety features such as:
Hill Hold Assist (in automatic transmission variants)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Reverse parking sensors with camera
Driver seatbelt reminder
Technology and Infotainment
The Maruti Ertiga comes equipped with a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, which offers:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Voice command recognition
Navigation via smartphone mirroring
Rear parking camera display
The instrument cluster features a multi-information display that provides essential information such as fuel efficiency, driving range, and gear shift indicator.
Variants and Pricing
The Maruti Ertiga is available in multiple variants to cater to different budget ranges and requirements:
LXi (Petrol)
VXi (Petrol)
ZXi (Petrol)
ZXi+ (Petrol)
VXi CNG
ZXi AT (Petrol Automatic)
Prices range from approximately ₹8 lakh for the base variant to ₹12 lakh for the top-end model (ex-showroom prices, may vary based on location and dealership).
Competitors and Market Position
In the Indian MPV segment, the Maruti Ertiga faces competition from:
Mahindra Marazzo
Renault Triber
Toyota Innova Crysta (in the premium segment)
Despite the competition, the Ertiga has maintained its strong market position due to its:
Competitive pricing
Fuel efficiency
Brand reliability
Extensive service network
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Spacious and comfortable interior
Excellent fuel efficiency
Versatile seating configurations
Well-equipped with modern features
Strong brand value and after-sales support
Cons:
Third-row space might be tight for adults on long journeys
Some premium features missing in lower variants
Automatic transmission available only in select variants
Maruti Ertriga
The Maruti Ertiga has rightfully earned its place as a popular choice among Indian families looking for a versatile and affordable MPV.
Its combination of space, comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability makes it an attractive option for those who need a vehicle that can adapt to various needs – from daily commutes to weekend getaways.
While it may not be the most luxurious or powerful MPV in the market, the Ertiga excels in providing a well-rounded package that meets the practical needs of its target audience.
Its success is a testament to Maruti Suzuki’s understanding of the Indian market and consumer preferences.
For families seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and spacious vehicle without breaking the bank, the Maruti Ertiga presents a compelling proposition.
Its continued popularity and regular updates from Maruti Suzuki ensure that it remains a relevant and competitive option in the ever-evolving Indian automotive landscape.
As with any vehicle purchase, prospective buyers are encouraged to take a test drive and compare the Ertiga with its competitors to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences.
However, for many, the Maruti Ertiga will likely tick all the right boxes, offering a perfect blend of practicality, comfort, and value for money in the MPV segment.