Thursday 5 April 2012
Maruti Ertiga
First showcased as a concept at the 2010 Auto Expo, the Ertiga was finally displayed in prodution form at the 2012 Auto Expo. The Ertiga’s compact dimensions make it easy to park and maneuver. The glistening ‘Serene Blue’ compact MPV looked great at the expo. From the styling as you can see it is clearly inspired by the Swift. .The Ertiga is distinguished by its compact dimensions (overall length: 4265mm, overall width: 1695mm, overall height: 1685mm). The bold and aggressive stance complemented by the 2740 mm wheel base along with 15 inch alloy wheels combined with a strong shoulder thick section gives Ertiga a sporty touch.
The interiors offer a host of new features such as a 3-spoke, tilt adjustable electric steering, twin AC, audio system (USB Compatible, 4+2 speakers), steering mounted audio controls, central door locking and keyless entry, multi information display, power windows with auto down and electrically adjustable mirror. The feature rich Ertiga is sure to delight the customer looking for rich features in the MPV. The design of the interiors is more like the new Swift but more richer looking. From the first impressions quality has also increased.
The Ertiga offers a three-row flexi-seating options for 7 passengers (2x3x2) that is easier to operate and is high on storage space. Each row of the car has been designed keeping in mind the occupants seating requirements
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga : FAQs Answered!
Editor-in-Chief Adil Jal Darukhanawala unmasks the all new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV after a very spirited first hand drive experience in Goa
Is it a van? Or is it your stereotypical Multi-utility vehicle that's fitted with enough seating for 6-7 passengers, but compromises on comfort and in-car entertainment features? Where does Maruti Suzuki's newest MPV, the Ertiga really fit into the country's multi-faceted utility vehicle market, where competition exists more in the numbers sold than passengers satisfied. Having experienced the soon to be launched Maruti Ertiga on a recent media exclusive drive in Goa, Editor-in-Chief Adil puts pen to paper and tries to make sense of the new compact vehicle from the eyes of the customer. Out of the countless queries that have surfaced here are the most relevant answered by Adil himself.
Is the Ertiga the final outcome of the Suzuki RIII concept which appeared at the 2010 Auto Expo?
Yes, that indeed was the ideas car, the basic concept behind the Ertiga. It was used to gauge public opinion for a small-size people carrier which was more car-like than van-like. Maruti Suzuki already has people moving vans like the Omni and the Eeco but the RIII was a move towards the personal space, more car-like and certainly in sync with upward aspirations. The RIII dazzled everyone with its concept-car turn-out but there was no denying the internal packaging which is what lies at the basis for the Ertiga's evolution.
Describe the basic make-up of the Ertiga which seems to be a conglomeration of many Suzuki models.
On the face of it, the outward visual cues hint as if the whole package was a lash up, albeit a tasty lash up conjured up by the simple expedient of diving into the ample Maruti Suzuki parts bin and coming up with a car which has the look of the Ritz up front but based on an extended floorpan of the Swift with a sporty Honda-like rear-end treatment thrown in for good measure. Keeping these observations aside, the rest of the structure, the build and the internal packaging are sterling qualities which deserved much better on the exterior treatment. Maruti Suzuki shouldn't have let itself down by doing very little on the front end and that too so very obviously by using many parts already in production thereby depriving the new model of its individuality.
Speaking with a Maruti official on this very detail, he said that this was done so as to keep this vehicle within the Swift family and while I agree on the concept, the fact that they went out and named it differently does give rise to this line of questioning. However, with a floorpan having an extended wheelbase of 300mm (that's 12 inches mind you) and yet having a finely pencilled profile with the right glazed to sheet metal proportioning makes the Ertiga come across as very pleasing.
Maruti Suzuki had earlier done the same, if we are not mistaken, on a three-row seat vehicle with the earlier Versa. Will it finally banish the horror story from Maruti's psyche or what exactly is your take on this front?
Good question but again it stems from a van and a car approach. The Versa was more commercial vehicle application put to personal use and the high tall stance plus one critical element which hampered sales was the atrociously high price point meant only the Bachchans - father and son, were the big winners with Versa! Jokes aside, this line of pricey thought can't very well be used by Maruti now and the second and most telling aspect is that the new vehicle is bang on in the concept which is for a maturing market and a niche that's waiting to unfold. If anything, this sort of a vehicle should have come much earlier, if anything the leader was guilty of not having gone down this route at least five years ago.
It doesn't look too big, Does it really have the space for three rows of seats?
This is the beauty of the vehicle's build and design - the small visual proportions disguise the fact that it has added a third row of seats which make it appealing to a small family. Having seen the seat configuration, the access into and out of the vehicle plus the H-points for the Indian physique, the Ertiga scores high on every count and yet has the means to take in seven in reasonable comfort.
Must be really cramped on the last bench then. Can an adult fit in there at all?
Yes, this is another obvious question and while the third seat should be pressed into operation for two adults in an emergency, this is an emergency which can happen every day and the Ertiga will be more than capable of living up to its designed application. The important thing here is about the rear seat back which can only incline so much and not more plus there is a limit on the headroom so very tall passengers need not get tied down into contortions by selecting the middle row rather than the third. However, on most occasions the third row does very well and with great space for the feet underneath the second middle row playing an important role to make the third row seat occupants comfortable.
Can the second row accommodate three full sized adults?
The answer to this is a resounding YES and this is the most versatile of the seat configs here in the Ertiga. In fact, the slide rails for the second row in the vehicle allows a large operating span for the occupants and with a fully reclining seat back this is the place to be for the junior after he returns home from a triumphant outing in the school cricket tournament!
It must get very stuffy in the last row. Any kind of air con vents for the back benchers?
The air con throw from the blower just ahead of the middle row is adequate though I think that this could be an issue given the Ertiga comes with small motors and there has to be a quid pro quo on performance vis-a-vis comfort and convenience across the length and breadth of the vehicle. In our first drive the air con seemed to be just about adequate but lets wait for the full impact of the typical Indian summer to kick in and we will have the answers.
With the added weight, fuel efficiency must definitely be much lower than the Swift and Ritz, right?
This is another question for which the answers should be in within the next few weeks when we put the Ertiga through its paces in the course of our test drive. Of course, physics cannot be asked to do the unthinkable and there is both more bulk and mass to move plus also the fact that the new petrol engine is perfectly sized to do the business in such a vehicle and this could be a real eye-opener! That said, expect the Ertiga to be ultra reliable and also on par with best in class as regards fuel efficiency - a hallmark of vehicles built by Maruti Suzuki.
How much space is left in the boot when the third row is in place?
The one area which suffers the most in the Ertiga is the minimum amount of luggage space. For a car that is a family-carrier, the amount of luggage space or the lack thereof is pretty telling! Not exactly the LUV which Maruti Suzuki suggests, LUV as in Life Utility Vehicle which is the clarion call for the vehicle by its maker.
Do you see this more as a family car or is it something that will be a hit with fleet operators?
In India the first and most obvious choice will be the personal family type of buyer who will take to this sort of a vehicle but then fleet operators enamoured by a lower price point will also try and take to this. In the overall scheme of things for the latter class of car operator, it is return on investment which will make them take to this vehicle as also customer requirement. If the price points for hiring an Innova and an Ertiga are the same, it is a no-brainer, the Innova will be there ten times out of ten and only if the hire charges for the Ertiga are lower then there could be some movement against the Innova on the hire taxi front.
Suzuki is saying that the Ertiga is going to start a new segment with Ertiga. But how different is it really from the Innova or the Xylo?
It is completely different from the Innova and the Xylo in that the essence might be the same but the execution and the turn-out is mighty different. Also it operates in a segment much lower than where the Innova and the Xylo operate in plus the fact that it is in the way Maruti Suzuki spreads out its product portfolio, offering everything from the most basic entry level mini to the mid-range sedan at pleasing price points, the Ertiga adds to this thought and marketing process and just builds on that.
What will power the Ertiga at launch?
Under the bonnet there will be a choice of a petrol and a diesel engine. Taking the latter first, this will be the 90bhp Suzuki-breathed-on version of the Fiat 1.3 Multijet now with a variable geometry turbocharger and intercooler. This engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox and unlike the manner in which this same engine works in the SX4, in its mini-MPV application the engine needs to be worked through the gearbox more to get the best out of it. However, this is mentioned in relative terms considering the sporty nature of the SX4 and how it has become an even better car with an oil burner thumping under its bonnet. The ample torque will be a big ally in operation for the diesel-engined Ertiga because the 200Nm is perfect when hauling the full complement of seven. What is also important is that with peak torque coming in at 1750rpm and then running strong in a linear manner all the way up, it should make for a vehicle that doesn't run out of breath. I said earlier about the car needed to be worked through the five-speed gearbox but that was because of the nature of the Goa roads - tight and twisty and with very little traffic which saw it being made to run spiritedly only for its pilot to go down the box when coming up to traffic and needing to get the thrust back on.
The diesel should be the more frugal performer and any case as has been proved in the Swift, the Ritz and the Swift D'Zire, Maruti Suzuki makes the basic Fiat powerplant deliver better than even Fiat can in its India model range!
For me the new 1.4-litre K14B VVT four-cylinder petrol engine was a revelation. Smooth, torquey and not running out of puff on the drive to Karwar and back from Goa hints at a very strong contemporary petrol motor which features a 16-valve dohc top end. Featuring multi-point fuel injection, this motor is from the same engine family which gave us the K12 and in the present application it has had an increase in bore to hike it by 173cc. Bore and stroke measures 73mm x 82mm and this long stroke unit is strong and has the displacement to deliver the thrust and the muscle for this seven-seater without being stressed and thereby delivering good fuel efficiency. For the record, Maruti Suzuki states the petrol-engined Ertiga will do 16.02kmpl while the diesel will deliver 20.77kmpl as per the present day CMVR mandated fuel efficiency tests.
On paper these small capacity engines sound like a lot but are they good enough to do duty in a seven-seater?
A question which is par for the course and here it is all about the way the car is geared for its intended application plus also the overall weight of the vehicle. The gearing is solid and steady for seamless motoring in a very progressive manner and please do not expect Swift-like acceleration and a very high top end. It is in the mid-range and in the low down torque take-off that the Ertiga needs to excel in and that she does. Also when one factors in its weight - 1760kg GVW for the petrol and 1845kg GVW for the diesel, you need the torque to do the talking more than the power to hit the ceiling. Intended application for the whole family (including the mother-in-law who could be banished to the third row!) means no feathers need to be ruffled and so smooth progressive power delivery will be just as important as outright performance.
This is a car which is longer than any in the Swift family. Does it complicate on the ride and handling front?
The basic overall monocoque is the same as on the Swift but it has been extended by 300mm to carve out that much needed space to accommodate that third row of seats. The chassis has been strengthened at various places (this also tells on the obvious weight mark-up) and while the suspension remains the same in character and configuration, with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam type rear axle, the spring and damper rates have been revised, the electrically-assisted steering system plus the brakes have been re calibrated. Again I must stress that unlike the Swift this is not intended to be a sporty performer but a solid no-nonsense offering for everyday use. It excels in this application and the ride and handling are in sync with its appeal and prowess.
I found the ride quality be truly of a very high order and the way she rode the bumps and the ridges was exemplary - lends credence to the ruffled feathers theory I attempted to expound a little earlier. The steering is very well weighted and precise and the brakes seemed to be up to their task of scrubbing speed quickly and safely. If anything, I could feel the length of the car when going through the tight roads in and around Goa but then I have been using the spanking new Swift D'Zire as my city car for the past few weeks and its agility and behaviour have made me fall for its charms so much that I could clearly relate to the nimbleness of the D'Zire thanks to the Ertiga coming round that wee bit slower. Also the familiarity between the two in the layout and style of the dashboard and interior controls is another detail which is both good and bad, good because the uniformity helps many to move from car to car in a seamless undaunting manner and bad because it seems the company has taken the easy (but cost-effective) approach. The interior treatment is the typical smart yet safe approach and the quality of plastics and the trim is pleasing though I wish all car makers and not just Maruti Suzuki alone, need to re-think beige interiors. They look good and smashing when new but they don't stay that way in our environment.
Is it going to be as expensive as the Innova?
I don't think the Innova is expensive if you look at it from an operations point of view. Sure the initial outlay is large but then everything about the vehicle is like that - engine, drivetrain, equipment, refinement, safety and what have you. The Ertiga will do an Innova so to speak but in a segment one or two notches lower down. While the pricing hasn't been announced as yet (expect this on April 12) I don't think Maruti Suzuki would be attempting to do the unthinkable by pricing it high. A slight mark-up over the Swift D'Zire should be the right approach.
Will maintenance costs be higher than the Swift and the Dzire, considering that it’s a bigger vehicle?
Again the answer to this question is in the negative because all Maruti Suzuki products are a paragon of reliability and the same should hold true for the Ertiga as well. Most of the aggregates are proven and more importantly reliable and refined which should keep the operating costs on par with others in its class within the family.
What about equipment levels? Music player, ABS, airbags, and the whole shebang?
The Ertiga will come with a choice of petrol and diesel power and in each of these it will be offered in the time honoured Maruti Suzuki tradition of three trim and equipment levels - LXi, VXi and ZXi for the petrol variant and LDi, VDi and ZDi for the diesel-engined variant. The top line models in both, the ZXi and ZDi come fully stocked - in-dash music radio cum CD-player with Bluetooth compatibility and iPhone-USB connectiveity. Throw in airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD, alloy wheels, rear air con blower for second row of seats and the list is complete.
Will it have flexible seating options? Captain’s chairs instead of the second row? The option of not having a third row at all?
I think this is an area which Maruti Suzuki really missed out on. I think they could have made the third row of seats removable making the vehicle truly versatile but only if the seat guide rails for the middle row would allow the second row of seats to be extended right till the end. I also don't recommend having captain seats in the interior because it would make this into a four-seater and of course Maruti already has the Swift D'Zire and the SX4 straddling the Ertiga. In fact, the mix and match seating options with a removable third row of seats is where the action could be for the packaging engineers and the quicker they get going the better it would be for this segment and also the versatility of the package.
What will it cost to buy and run?
Initial pricing is going to be key, more so in the present times where the excise rates have been hiked up. I think I have already answered on this subject earlier in the feature when we said this car is an extension of the Swift family and so expect a slight incremental hike over the Swift D'Zire. I am sure the Ertiga would be straddled between the Swift D'Zire at the lower end of the spectrum and the SX4 at the upper end of the scale in Maruti Suzuki's product portfolio. It wouldn't make any tangible sense to have the new vehicle closer to the SX4 for that would be counter-productive. On the subject of operating costs, it would be frugal like any Maruti Suzuki product is renowned for and the manner in which the car performs, indicates that it is another winner on the way from the country's largest car maker. How effectively it rules this new segment though will only be known some months from now.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga first drive
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Out of the 15 million cars sold in India, Maruti Suzuki sells 10 million of them. That’s the level of market share this manufacturer has in the Indian market. But in the MUV segment, Maruti dosen’t have a strong vehicle. And this segment accounts for 14 per cent of the industry. More and more customers are looking to upgrade from a premium hatchback and this is the space which Maruti want the Ertiga to conquer. So will the Ertiga be able to establish itself?
STYLING
The Ertiga has contemporary looks which will appeal to a vast demographic. Maruti’s objective, which is to cater to maximum percentage of the population, will be achieved with this design. The vehicle was exhibited at the Expo and even then it had impressed with its clean look. The swept back headlamps, inspired from the Swift, the bonnet and grille taken from the Ritz, give it a car-like look and not a big MUV feel, which is exactly what Maruti want to project. From the side the pronounced wheel arch up front is the only indicator of this being a ‘big’ vehicle. From the rear, again the small cluster of the tail lamps (much smaller than either that of the Innova’s or the Xylo’s) adds to the whole car-like feel. It has a clean, uncluttered look with the rear spoiler adding a bit of sportiness.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga road test
If you look at the Ertiga, you could be forgiven to think, it's based on the Ritz. Because the face looks like an evolution of the Ritz'. But in reality, the Ertiga is a stretched out Swift platform. Clever packaging and a longer wheelbase means this Swift suddenly thinks it's a people-mover.
The Ertiga will be available both in petrol and diesel versions. The petrol motor is 1.4-litre K-series engine putting out 94bhp and 130Nm of torque. It's peppy, rev-happy and fun to push.
Diesel power comes from the celebrated DDIS powerplants. The 1.3, with a variable geometry turbo produces 89bhp and 200Nm of torque which comes in handy especially when fully loaded. Out of the two, the diesel is certainly the sensible option, but the petrol performance is hard to ignore.
On the road, the petrol is certainly the one to have. It loves to rev and you'll love to use that stubby gearshift as you drive down a twisty road. The diesel may not be as free revving as the K14A, but there's a slug of torque past 1500rpm which gives the Ertiga a spring in it's step. The diesel is a good cruiser while the petrol is for those spirited white van drivers.
Maruti claims the petrol will hit a ton in 12.1 seconds and the diesel will take 13.9 seconds. Both cars top out at 160kph. ARAI fuel efficiency figures are pegged at 16.02kpl for the petrol and 20.77kpl for the diesel. We'll wait till we can strap on our equipment to verify those numbers.
On the inside, it's much like the Swift as you'd expect. As far as people-mover business goes, the Ertiga is quite capable. It will seat seven people and even the last row gets decent legroom thanks to the sliding middle row. In ZDi trim, you get a lot of equipment too like dual airbags, ABS and twin aircon. No climate control though.
Overall, you'd come out of the Ertiga impressed. It drives much like a car and not like those body-roll special MPVs. Its compact and yet spacious and lastly it comes with Maruti peace of mind. So is this the Eureka moment for Maruti? It is a good move by Maruti. But pricing is key to the success of the Ertiga. Because it will be a shame for such capable car to have an inflated pricetag. But Maruti understands the economics of our country well. So watch this space.
Manish Sarser
Country’s biggest carmaker Maruti launches Ertiga LUV in India
Goa: With the fast growing ‘utility’ car market in India, Maruti is all set to enter this ambitious segment. Maruti Suzuki is going to launch its first utility model ‘Ertiga’ next month. Company has decided to launch it as India’s first ‘Life’ utility vehicle (LUV).
Ertiga will be launched in six petrol and diesel variants. Recently developed 1.4 litre K-series engine has been fitted into the petrol variant whereas already tested 1.3 litre DDiS super turbo engine has been used in diesel variant. Company has promised a mileage of 16 kmpl in petrol variant whereas a mileage of 20.77 kmpl is promised in the diesel variant.
Maruti Suzuki’s Managing Executive Officer Mayank Parik says that just on the lines of Swift which succeeded in creating new segment, Ertiga will be successful in making another segment in the market. This is targeted at the customers who want to buy a bigger car but are not in a position to buy a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Ertiga will suit to customers who are frequent with a family holiday to nearby places.
Despite being one of the leading car manufacturers in the country, Maruti has yet not become successful in making its presence in utility vehicle segment which is registering a lucrative two times growth as compared to other segments. According to experts, in a decade or two utility vehicles will be among most sold personal vehicles in the country. This is the reason Maruti is trying their best to enter the segment.
Parik says that in the current FY there is a chance of only 4 percent growth in sales of Maruti Suzuki whereas, in the last two years it was 20 and 35 percent respectively. Despite all this, by 2020 India is expected to emerge as world’s third best car market. Maruti is preparing to keep pace with the growing demands of the consumers
Maruti Ertiga review - Will the Ertiga move you?
The market for estate or weekend cars has never really taken off in India. Many manufacturers have tried their hand at convincing Indian car buyers that an estate makes more sense if you are keen on travelling with your entire family and its luggage.
Fiat was amongst the first with the Palio Weekend, Maruti tried too with the Baleno Altura and so did Tata Motors. In fact, Tata Motors' punch line - “Because we like to carry our world with us” – for the Indigo Marina, was not really off the mark in terms of its import, but the car just couldn't capture the imagination of buyers looking for versatility and space.
However, the fact is that there have always been a small section of buyers for multi-purpose vehicles for their road presence and the fact that they came with diesel engines. It is also true that we Indians still want to carry our world with us and that includes our extended families. With many nuclear families even in the current ‘neo-urban' context being larger than five members, the need for a six or seven seater passenger vehicle has been and continues to be there.
What has changed though, over the years, is that buyers have matured to a point where they want a people's carrier, but one which is still cool, plush, and very capable of being their primary city car. That means that the vehicle also had to be compact and easy to manoeuvre in urban conditions.
The Chevy Tavera initially, and then the Toyota Innova have been the options available. But size has been a big intimidating factor for many people who might have otherwise considered these two vehicles. The other issue is also one of buyer expectations for a plusher family mover – the reason why the Maruti Versa and the current EECO could not find that many takers amongst urban upper middle class buyers. Maruti showcased its solution to these problems in the Ertiga at the Auto Expo earlier this year. I got to test drive the new seven-seater in Goa last week. With its narrow winding streets and fairly crowded touristy population, Goa provided the right environs for testing the Life Utility Vehicle (LUV – that is what Maruti is calling it). Here are my first impressions.
Design
Building the Ertiga on the Swift platform has enabled Maruti Suzuki engineers to compress the gestation to market and also enabled them to dip into a versatile and fairly sophisticated platform for creating a compact utility vehicle. Cost savings and a common design language that talks to customers looking for a car and not a van is another consequence of the choice.
The Ertiga, as a result, looks like an elongated version of the Swift. Of course, onlookers seemed to find design cues that resembled the Ritz and DZire too, but that just reinforces the Swift family design DNA in the new Ertiga. Short overhangs, a ‘snubby' bonnet and an overall length that is just 26.5 cms longer than the 4,000 mm limit set by the Government for small car benefits makes this new LUV look like a big hatchback.
The width of the Ertiga remains the same as the Swift and the height has marginally gone up to 1,685mm, compared to the Swift's 1,530mm. Much of the increase in length has gone into extending the wheelbase of the Ertiga (310mm more than the Swift's), enabling Maruti Suzuki engineers to optimise the interior space.
In keeping with the utility vehicle attitude the Ertiga has a raised stance, which mostly comes from the 15mm higher ground clearance compared to the Swift. Visually, the new UV looks a bit more raised due to the oversized wheel arches. The higher ground clearance will also be needed for the new vehicle higher passenger and payload capability.
The side profile of the Ertiga is the most convincing and clean. It is just about as tall as the average height of Indians and the ground clearance being just 15mm more than the Swift's, stepping into the Ertiga only feels like you are entering a regular car. You don't have to step up and heave yourself in like you are getting into a truck.
The extra length of the Ertiga is obvious when you look at it up close and from the side. But that is only comforting and makes you curious about the space that the three rows of seats might be able to offer. From the front, the Ertiga's filial lines are easy to trace in the bonnet slab, grille and, though larger overall, in the headlamp design. At the rear, the new Maruti UV seems to be more petite to look at. That is probably because the width of the Ertiga remains the same as the Swift and also because the tail-lamp design has more of it flowing to the sides than at the rear.
To make it seem more car-like, in addition to borrowing much of the design, Maruti engineers have loaded the Ertiga with similar features like the integrated turn lamps in the door mirrors, the alloy wheels (in top variant), regular hinged doors – instead of sliding, the low loading height at the rear and its fairly compact dimensions. But, in terms of weight, the Ertiga is almost 300 kgs heavier than the Swift DZire and that must have made it a challenge to match the Swift family's performance and handling characteristics.
Interior
When I get into the Ertiga before daybreak, I am still sceptical about its interior space and its ability to provide adequate space for all three rows. But I am pleasantly surprised with the kind of space optimisation that the engineers have managed. Work on the Ertiga was apparently started by mid-2008. With a platform and family connection to work with, it is said that much of the focus was on optimising space within the preset length for the new car.
The core focus was to ensure that the third row seat would be a fully usable bench and not just an emergency seat. To clear up space, the 45-litre fuel tank was designed to be flat and stay under the rear two rows of seats without intruding into the cabin and forcing a raised, cramped third row configuration.
The front two bucket seats and the second row 60:40 split bench are tilt and slide adjustable. The second row seat also folds and slides forward in one stroke with the push of a lever to allow easy access to the third row. With a fair amount of space at the second row, there is just enough legroom for an average sized adult at the third row – quite an achievement for the Ertiga.
The entire dashboard is a straight lift from the DZire, except for some minor changes like the colour theme adopted and a yellow LED backlighting instead of the orange in the DZire. There are a lot of storage spaces built into the Ertiga and there is tilt steering too. Quality of materials used and the ergonomics of the interior are as good as in the new Swift and the new DZire. My only gripe was the extra soft seat cushioning for all rows. They were comfortable over the four hours of driving I did, wonder if they will be comfortable at the end of a longer drive. Boot space is also not great when all the seats are in use.
Performance and handling
The choice of engines for the Ertiga is the new 1.4-litre K14BVVT petrol engine and the D13A DDiS super turbo diesel carried forward from the SX4. Given the additional weight of the new vehicle the two engines manage to offer a fair balance of power and torque.
The new, larger K series petrol engine reflects the same characteristics of its existing siblings. Quiet and almost vibe-free in idling mode, the engine comes across as refined and quick under hard acceleration. With variable valve timing to optimise performance and with low friction components, the new 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 combined with an intercooled variable geometry turbocharger and this is same basic mill from the SX4. This 1,248cc engine with common rail diesel injection is almost free of any turbolag and delivers a peak power of 90PS at 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 200Nm from as low as 1,750 rpm. The diesel engine makes its presence felt audibly despite the use of an extended dash silencer and other sound deadening components.
But, that is only when you accelerate hard, during idling and cruising conditions the familiar diesel engine is just the same as in the SX4. On the road, the Ertiga feels very much like the Swift and DZire. Though the Ertiga is no where near as big as the other utility vehicles like the Innova and the Tavera, you still get to feel its extra length compared to the Swift.
The engines have been mated to the five-speed gearbox already in the family cars, only the gear ratios have been optimised for the Ertiga's expected driving cycle. Gear shifts are crisp and quick. The rated fuel efficiency for the petrol engine is 16.02 kmpl and the diesel is 20.77 kmpl.
The Ertiga handles quiet well too – almost, but not entirely, like a sedan. The suspension is also a carry forward in terms of its configuration – MacPherson strut at the front and torsion beam at the rear. The ratings for the springs have been increased and the dampers have been stiffened to handle the higher loads.
Bottomline
This is a diesel dominated segment and Maruti officials say that they expect to sell 8 diesel variants of the Ertiga for every two petrol variants. This preference for diesel is going to persist as long as the differential exists, but this segment is just that much more sensitive to the costs and the savings.
Maruti has just barely managed to launch a compact premium UV before the flood that is due to hit the roads in the next one or two years from competitors like Nissan, Hyundai, Toyota and Renault, and possibly even Mahindra & Mahindra – which is expected to launch a compact Xylo.
Though a bit late coming from the car market leader, the Ertiga could still benefit from Maruti's image of being a manufacturer of reliable, efficient and low-cost cars. So, though the target is the urban buyer looking for a family mover, sales could eventually come in quickly from institutional buyers too.
The price of the Ertiga will still be a crucial factor and Maruti will be well aware of that fact. I expect pricing to be in the region of Rs 6.5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh for the three trim variants each (LXi/ LDi, VXi/ VDi and ZXi/ ZDi) of the petrol and diesel versions. The good part of the trim package being offered is that Maruti has decided to push up the safety index by offering ABS with EBD as part of standard fitment even in the base LDi variant.
About two weeks to go before the Ertiga reaches a showroom near you. Want to reconsider your plan to buy the DZire?
Maruti Ertiga Technical Specifications
Dimensions
Overall Length: 4,265 mm
Overall Width: 1,695mm
Overall Height: 1,685mm
Wheel Base: 2,740mm
Ground Clearance: 185mm
Turning Radius: 5.2 metres
Engines: 1.4-lt K-Series Petrol with VVT / 1.3-lt DDiS diesel
Displacement(in cc) 1,373 / 1,248
Maximum Power(PS@rpm): 95@6,000 / 90@4,000
Maximum Torque(Nm@rpm): 130@4,000 / 200@1,750
Gearbox: Type 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Manual
Gross vehicle weight: 1,760 kgs / 1,845 kgs
Suspension
Front: MacPherson Strut
Rear: Torsion Beam
Tyre Size
L & V Grade: 185/65R15
Z Grade: 185/65R15
Fuel tank capacity: 45 litres
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga first drive
Out of the 15 million cars sold in India, Maruti Suzuki sells 10 million of them. That's the level of market share this manufacturer has in the Indian market. But in the MUV segment, Maruti don't have a strong vehicle. And this segment accounts for 14 per cent of the industry. More and more customers are looking to upgrade from a premium hatchback and this is the space which Maruti want the Ertiga to conquer. So will the Ertiga be able to establish itself? Styling The Ertiga has contemporary looks which will appeal to a vast demographic. Maruti's objective, which is to cater to maximum percentage of the population, will be achieved with this design. The vehicle was exhibited at the Expo and even then it had impressed with its clean look. The swept back headlamps, inspired from the Swift, the bonnet and grille taken from the Ritz, give it a car-like look and not a big MUV feel, which is exactly what Maruti want to project. From the side the pronounced wheel arch up front is the only indicator of this being a big' vehicle. From the rear, again the small cluster of the tail lamps (much smaller than either that of the Innova's or the Xylo's) adds to the whole car-like feel. It has a clean, uncluttered look with the rear spoiler adding a bit of sportiness. Interiors It's a Swift - that's the immediate conclusion when you step inside. The difference being that you get a brown and beige finish unlike the black interiors of the Swift. The beige gives you the feeling of space and there are small bits like the silver trims on the door and on the steering wheel which give it a classy look. And just like the Swift, It's a vehicle that you will slide into rather than having to climb in. The second row gets a 60:40 split, with the seats capable of sliding (240mm) and reclining, increasing the space available. The front seats have been carved out from the back to increase leg room. There is also a centre arm rest. Of course in terms of space the shoulder room is like a hatch so it is not comfy for three abreast at the middle row. Now to the most crucial third row. And it must be said the space will be comfortable for short journeys, for medium sized adults. Access to third row is easily achieved by folding down the second row seat and sliding it forward. The recline of the third row seat helps increase the space. Third row passengers also get armrests along the side of the vehicle. In terms of storage space, with all the seats upright, you get 135 litres. You can increase it up to 735 litres by folding the second and third rows. There is a fair bit of storage space in term of cubby holes with even the third row passengers getting bottle holders. Overall, in terms of looks, Maruti have played the familiarity card well. Any customer looking to upgrade from a hatchback will not have any problem adapting to the Ertiga. Engine and transmission The Ertiga has two engine options. The new K14B petrol with variable valve timing - a 1.4-litre which produces 95PS of maximum power at 6000rpm and 130Nm of maximum torque at 4000rpm. And the trusted diesel from the SX4, 1.3-litre DDiS with VGT which produces 90PS of maximum power at 4000rpm and 200Nm of maximum torque at 1750rpm. The petrol engine has linear power delivery and it didn't feel underpowered during our drive though it didn't involve a lot of highway driving. The diesel engine is peppy and has sufficient low end torque for comfortable city driving. It is one of the best diesels around, with a good top end, revs easily, and is refined. The VGT does its business in reducing the lag. But there is lag below 2000rpm made more noticeable since the kick you get once the boost comes on is much stronger than the 80PS Swift diesel. But you still get very good responses when the pedal is pushed. The gearbox is again the trustworthy unit from the Swift with slightly reengineered ratios to meet the larger vehicle's requirements and higher torque rating for the petrol. The gears snap into place and the short throw again gives you the whole car-like feel. NVH levels, especially on the diesel, are quite unlike what you would find in an MUV. Handling The Ertiga feels planted when pushing it around the corners. The suspension is softer than the Swift to account for the requirements of a vehicle of this class, which means you get more body roll than in a Swift. But this also means that it absorbs the undulations on the road better. The steering feels direct and sufficiently weighted to give you confidence at high speeds as on the highway. Within the city, the Ertiga shines because it feels light and agile, has better visibility, a better driving position, lighter controls (gearbox, steering, pedals) and easy manoeuvrability. With an overall length of 4265mm, it is shorter than the Innova and Xylo by 320mm and 260mm respectively. Lesser in width too and this aids handling. The turning radius of 5.2m helps in easy manoeuvrability. Again all of this helps in the car-like feel. When driving the Ertiga, you tend to forget that it is actually an MUV which is a good thing. Behind the wheel it feels like a compact car which is what Maruti set out to do. They didn't want to have a van or CV-like feel and they have succeeded. Verdict We aren't aware of the price yet but we expect it to be between Rs 7-9 lakh, ex-showroom. But what we do know is that Maruti is claiming an incredible mileage of 16.02kmpl for the petrol and an even better 20.77kmpl for the diesel. With these figures itself, Maruti have a winner on their hands. Because that they will price it competitively is a given. Though the Ertiga is shorter than its competition the cab-forward stance means that in terms of wheelbase it's only 10mm shorter than the Innova making it a vehicle which doesn't look big but has a lot of space inside. It's a vehicle which can accommodate the growing aspirations of a family and in providing a familiar, car-like environment, Maruti have ensured that the customer will want to upgrade to an Ertiga. They are a mass volume player and this one looks certain to bring in the numbers. It's a new segment for Maruti and with the Ertiga they have attempted to eliminate the negative image of the commercial vehicle'. The trick will be to appeal to the private customer as much as the fleet taxi people. Versatility is a key factor which will work in favour of the Ertiga. You can drive it to work daily like you would a Swift or Dzire, it has more rear leg room, it can take seven people when required and you can take it on a month-long driving expedition. It can do it all, and does all that without the compromises - poor dynamics, poor efficiency, heavy to drive traits - inherent in a MUV. They are calling it a Life Utility Vehicle. You got to LUV that approach.
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