Maruti has launched its first utility vehicle in the name of Ertiga. The Ertiga competes with the likes of Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo, Chevrolet Tavera Neo and the Tata Aria. Starting in the price range between Rs 5.89 lakh to Rs 8.45 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has opened the Pandora’s Box to a whole new segment of premium audience in the country and looks like it has all the right ingredients to it.
The new Ertiga comes in options of both petrol and diesel models. The 1.4-litre VVT petrol engine which is surely the better one is capable of making 95PS at 6000rpm with 130Nm of torque at 4000rpm. The diesel on the other hand, is nothing out of the ordinary with a 1.3 DDiS turbo charged diesel engine and churns out 90PS at 4000 rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. Both models are mated to a five-speed gearbox with a nice appetite for both the city and the highways. The Ertiga is nowhere close to a sedan in terms of the ride and handling but it surely handles quiet well.
In terms of the looks, the Ertiga derives its style statement from the Swift Dzire and the Maruti Ritz. The aggressive front represents the Swift while the back end resembles the Ritz. The side looks very sane and appealing to the eyes. Overall the looks might not please everyone but does not disappoint either.
The interiors are again a rip off from the Ritz and Swift cousins. The space on the inside is a bit disappointing but considering the price point it sure looks acceptable. You might be cramped for space on the third row.
The company says that “We would now be catering to 14% of the market that was untapped till now. Ertiga is the answer to customers looking for a perfect outdoor vehicle that can also be used as a regular urban car to office, or for shopping at the nearby neighborhood store,” says Maruti chief general manager (marketing) Shashank Shrivastava.
The feature list of the Ertiga includes electronic power steering, power windows, steering-mounted audio controls, stereo system with AUX/USB in, electronically adjustable ORVMs, air conditioning and heating with blowers for the second row of seats. The safety features include ABS, EBD and two front airbags as standard on the top end model.
With a starting price of Rs. 5.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi); the petrol variant will go against the likes of high end hatchback cars like the Honda Jazz and the Hyundai i20. The robust diesel variant with a price of Rs. 7.3 lakh will compete with mid-sized sedans such as Hyundai Fluidic Verna and the Honda City in the Indian market.
The mileage is probably the final nail in the coffin which seals the deal in favour of the Maruti Ertiga. The Ertiga fuel efficiency comes up to 16.02 for the petrol variant and 20.77kmpl for the diesel variants. This surely leaves its competitors running for cover.