The Ertiga will try to do the impossible at least that is what the SUV looks like it is going to do. The SUV branded as LUV aka Light Utility Weight vehicle will look to rip the estate or weekend cars which has never really taken off in India. Previous attempts at this segment have only burnt the manufacturers who have tried their hand at this segment. India's largest passenger car maker Maruti Suzuki has revealed the much awaited Ertiga multi utility vehicle.
The Ertiga has an overall length that is just 26.5 cms longer than the 4,000 mm limit for tax benefit. The width of the Ertiga remains the same as the Swift and the height is 1,685mm. The ground clearance is 15mm higher compared to the Swift.
The Ertiga is 300 kg heavier than the Swift DZire and has a 45-litre fuel tank under the rear seats. However this leads to a cramped third row configuration.
The front seats and the second row 60:40 split bench are tilt and slide adjustable. The dashboard,
color, yellow LED backlight, storage spaces, tilt steering, quality materials and soft seats make up the interior configuration.
The engines for the Ertiga are a 1.4-litre K14BVVT petrol engine and the D13A DDiS diesel engine. The 1,373cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine delivers a peak power of 95PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 130Nm at 4,000 rpm.
The diesel engine is 1,248cc with common rail diesel injection and delivers a peak power of 90PS at 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 200Nm at 1,750 rpm. The engines are mated to a five-speed gearbox with a mileage of 16.02 kmpl for the petrol and the diesel is 20.77 kmpl. The Ertiga price starts from Rs 5.89 lakh to Rs 8.45 lakh for all 3 trims of the petrol and diesel versions.
Mr S. Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, said: “Ertiga is a major step forward for Maruti Suzuki. Many urban families in India are now looking for a vehicle that offers more space and flexibility than a sedan, without being bulky, bland and expensive like a utility vehicle. These families are currently having to compromise, and settle for a vehicle which does not meet their lifestyle needs. The Ertiga is designed for these customers.’’
Maruti Ertiga will be competition to the likes of Toyota Innova, Mahindra Bolero, and Tata Sumo Victa. India is the first market to get the Ertiga and is soon expected to be followed by other South East Asian markets, the company said.
The SUV market is currently dominated by Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo, but also come at a higher price. The Innova with a 2.5 litre diesel engine is priced in Rs 9-13 lakh range while Xylo comes at 7.3 lakhs.
The Maruti Ertiga price as per the variants, ex showroom Delhi.
Ertiga Lxi - Rs 5.89 lakh
Ertiga Vxi - Rs 6.60 lakh
Ertiga Zxi - Rs 7.30 lakh
Ertiga Ldi - Rs 7.30 lakh
Ertiga Vdi - Rs 7.90 lakh
Ertiga Zdi - Rs 8.45 lakh
