No, I haven't gone all soppy on you - that's what Maruti Suzuki calls its latest product, the Ertiga. It stands for Life Utility Vehicle, and it sounds a bit silly, but that's what marketing tactics are all about, I suppose. In a game where the default thought, let alone buying choice, is something that answers to the name 'Innova', standing out from the crowd is important, and one way to do it is to invent a new name/category for yourself. So, what's new with Maruti Suzuki's LUV life?
Does it look good?
Hmm. That's an interesting question - when was the last time you saw a truly good looking MUV (it will be referred to thus, henceforth)? Having said that, when you compare it with the Innova and Xylo, there's no doubt that it's the freshest looking of the lot. The father of the Ritz also spawned the Ertiga, so it's not surprising that the front end looks rather Ritz-like. The swept back headlamps add a touch of flair and sportiness to the car (they also add a touch of Swift to it). The Ertiga is remarkably compact (the SX4 is longer, for example) - 4265 mm long, 1695 mm wide, 1685 mm high and with a wheelbase of 2740 mm - and in profile it doesn't have any of the bulk of larger MUVs. The rear is too bland for its own good - look long enough and it'll remind you of any number of small hatchbacks from the same stable. All in, it's a 'different' looking car, with just enough presence to get it noticed, but not enough to really turn heads. It plays safe, and it'll probably work for most people.
What's the cabin like?
It's about as Maruti Suzuki as you can get, which is to say that it's fairly bland and that everything is well built and finished, for the most part. The meters are clear and easily readable, all the essential controls fall easily to hand and the extensive use of beige gives the cabin a fresh, airy feeling. The middle windows are simply enormous, and play a big part in contributing to the sense of space. There are bottle and cubby holders galore, too. The top end cars that we drove came with these features, among others - ABS with EBD, twin front airbags, electric ORVMs with turn indicators on them, an audio system with CD, USB and AUX-in, remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, audio controls on the steering, rear wiper and washer and front and rear power windows. Will it keep most people happy? Yes.
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