The latest buzz surrounding the Ertiga MPV, which happens to be one of the hottest launches of the year from the country’s largest automaker Maruti Suzuki, is that of the MPV being launched on the 11th of April, 2012. A launch date next month also means that Maruti Suzuki is giving itself plenty of time to wait and watch, considering the fact the Union Budget of 2012 will be presented on the 16th of March, which is just a week away from now.
The 2012 Union Budget will determine the final pricing of the Ertiga MPV, more importantly that of the diesel variant as the word on the street is that the Indian government is considering an increase in excise duty on diesel engined cars. This apart, there also could be an increase in the CENVAT on automobiles, which could make the Ertiga’s price go up by about 2%. Maruti Suzuki might also take a final call on the variant distribution between petrol and diesel engined Ertiga MPV models post the Union Budget.
The Ertiga MPV, which was first showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo evoked a tremendous response. Back then, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV was touted to be launched in three variants each, for petrol and diesel engine options. The Ertiga will come with a 1.4 Liter K-Series petrol engine good for 94 Bhp of peak power and 130 Nm of peak torque while the diesel engine will be the 1.3 liter Fiat Multijet unit with a variable geometry turbocharger, good for 90 Bhp of peak power and 200 Nm of peak torque.
The 2012 Ertiga MPV will be available in both five seater as well as seven seater variants with the middle row featuring split seats for increase luggage carrying ability. The Ertiga MPV, dimensionally much smaller than the likes of the Toyota Innova and the Mahindra Xylo MPVs is expected to be priced in the Rs. 7-9 lakh territory, a price at which the MPV will be a very attractive bet considering that it has the Maruti Suzuki badge on the bonnet.
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