Maruti Suzuki has long been a dominant player in India’s MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment, and with the launch of the new Ertiga, the company is taking its game to the next level. The new Ertiga offers a more refined design, upgraded interiors, and a host of luxury features that were previously reserved for higher-end models. By introducing these premium elements, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is set to take on the popular Toyota Innova Hycross, a vehicle known for its luxury and comfort.
This article explores the features, specifications, and performance of the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, comparing it with its closest competitor, the Toyota Innova Hycross. Let’s see how Maruti Suzuki has enhanced the Ertiga’s luxury appeal and how it stands up to the competition.
New Look: A More Refined and Premium Exterior
The new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga comes with significant updates to its exterior design, giving it a more sophisticated and premium appearance. The exterior features of the updated Ertiga make it stand out in the crowded MPV market, especially with its enhanced design elements that cater to modern consumer tastes.
Key Exterior Features:
- Bold Front Grille: The front grille has been redesigned with a more aggressive chrome finish, aligning with the premium feel.
- Sleek LED Headlights: The new Ertiga features sleek, modern LED projector headlights and LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), which improve visibility while adding a touch of sophistication.
- Updated Bumper Design: The redesigned front and rear bumpers are more angular and sporty, giving the Ertiga a more dynamic and youthful look.
- Chrome Accents: Subtle chrome detailing on the door handles and window surrounds enhance the vehicle’s premium appeal.
- New Alloy Wheels: The new alloy wheels add an extra level of refinement, complementing the Ertiga’s overall design.
Overall, the updated Ertiga retains its signature compact MPV look while incorporating design elements that provide a more upscale, luxurious feel.
Premium and Spacious Interior
Inside the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, the focus is on comfort, space, and premium features. Maruti has taken significant strides to improve the cabin quality, offering a better driving experience, especially for long journeys.
Interior Highlights:
- Dual-Tone Upholstery: The interior features a dual-tone color scheme, with premium materials for upholstery, making it feel more upscale compared to the previous version.
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment: The Ertiga comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless connectivity.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A newly added digital instrument cluster displays all important information in a modern format, making it easier to read and enhancing the cabin’s high-tech feel.
- Better Cabin Layout: The center console has been redesigned for better ergonomics, with easy access to key controls. The steering wheel also features controls for audio and cruise settings.
- Improved Legroom: One of the key attractions of the Ertiga has always been its spaciousness. The updated model offers generous legroom and headroom in all three rows, making it comfortable for both passengers and drivers.
Seating Comfort:
The new Ertiga continues to provide flexible seating arrangements, with the ability to accommodate seven passengers across three rows. The second-row captain seats (available in higher trims) and sliding bench options ensure that passengers are comfortable on long trips. The third-row seats have also been improved for better legroom and ease of entry/exit.
Performance and Engine Specifications
When it comes to performance, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga comes with a reliable engine that balances performance with fuel efficiency. Maruti Suzuki offers a petrol engine option with mild-hybrid technology, ensuring that the Ertiga remains efficient while delivering adequate power for daily commutes or family trips.
Engine Specifications:
| Specification | Petrol Engine |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L K-Series Petrol with Mild-Hybrid |
| Power Output | 103 PS @ 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 4400 RPM |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency (ARAI) | 19-20 km/l |
The 1.5L K-series petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology provides a smooth and efficient drive, with an output of 103 PS and a peak torque of 137 Nm. The engine is available with both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim level. The fuel efficiency of around 19-20 km/l ensures that the Ertiga remains economical for everyday use, making it a perfect family car.
Safety Features: A Step Towards Premium Protection
The safety features of the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga have been upgraded to meet the increasing demand for more secure family vehicles. Maruti Suzuki has included several active and passive safety systems to ensure peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
Key Safety Features:
- Dual Front Airbags: Standard across all variants, protecting both the driver and the passenger in case of an impact.
- ABS with EBD: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensure better stability and control in emergency braking situations.
- Rear Parking Sensors: The new Ertiga comes with rear parking sensors and a rearview camera for added convenience and safety when parking.
- ESP with Hill Hold: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Assist provide added safety while driving on uneven terrains or slopes.
- High-Strength Steel Body: The Ertiga’s high-strength steel body structure ensures enhanced protection during collisions.
Price and Variants
The new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been positioned as an affordable family car with premium features, offering excellent value for money in the MPV segment. Here is the expected pricing and variants for the new Ertiga:
| Variant | Price (₹) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ertiga LXI | 8,35,000 | Basic features, manual transmission |
| Ertiga VXI | 9,45,000 | Touchscreen infotainment, rear parking sensors |
| Ertiga ZXI | 10,45,000 | Automatic transmission, alloy wheels |
| Ertiga ZXI+ | 11,25,000 | Premium upholstery, digital instrument cluster |
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga remains competitively priced, starting at around ₹8.35 lakh for the base variant and going up to ₹11.25 lakh for the top-end ZXI+ variant. This pricing makes it an attractive proposition for customers who want a spacious and feature-rich family vehicle without breaking the bank.
Competitors: How the Ertiga Measures Up
The primary competitor for the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in the Indian market is the Toyota Innova Hycross, a premium MPV that has garnered significant attention due to its high-end features and superior comfort. Here’s a comparison of the two:
| Model | Price Range (₹) | Engine Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | 8.35L – 11.25L | 1.5L Petrol with Mild-Hybrid | Spacious, affordable, good fuel efficiency |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | 18.55L – 28.30L | 2.0L Hybrid / 2.4L Diesel | Premium features, luxury interior, higher power |
As seen in the table above, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is much more affordable than the Toyota Innova Hycross, making it an attractive option for families on a budget. However, the Innova Hycross offers a higher level of luxury, a more powerful engine, and more premium features, making it a better choice for customers looking for a top-of-the-line, luxury MPV.
Conclusion
The new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga offers a blend of affordability, luxury, and practicality, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious families who don’t want to compromise on features. With its updated design, improved interior, and advanced technology, the Ertiga stands out in the MPV segment, especially with its pricing that challenges the more expensive Toyota Innova Hycross.
While the Innova Hycross may offer more luxury and premium features, the Ertiga provides great value for money, offering features that make it a worthy contender in the growing MPV market. Whether you’re looking for a family car or a spacious vehicle for road trips, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a compelling choice that combines luxury with practicality.