New Maruti Ertiga: In the competitive landscape of India’s automotive market, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has long been a standout performer. Known for its practical design, fuel efficiency, and value proposition,
this compact MPV has won the hearts of families across the country. Now, with its latest update, the new Maruti Ertiga comes with a refreshed look and enhanced features that aim to strengthen its position in the segment.
A Design Evolution Rather Than Revolution
The new Maruti Ertiga maintains its familiar silhouette but introduces subtle yet meaningful design changes that give it a more contemporary appearance.
The front fascia has been reworked with a redesigned grille featuring chrome accents that lend a premium touch. The headlamps have been reshaped and now integrate LED daytime running lights, giving the vehicle a more sophisticated presence on the road.
In profile, the Ertiga retains its practical proportions but adds new alloy wheel designs that elevate its visual appeal. The shoulder line is more pronounced, creating a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary.
At the rear, the taillights have been revised with LED elements arranged in a distinctive pattern, making the Ertiga instantly recognizable from behind.
The overall design approach seems to follow the philosophy of refinement rather than radical change, respecting the fact that the Ertiga’s existing design language has been well-received by its target audience.
Spacious Interior With Enhanced Features
Step inside the new Ertiga, and you’ll find a cabin that prioritizes space and functionality while adding touches of modern luxury. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with a central touchscreen infotainment system that serves as the command center for entertainment and vehicle information.
The interior color scheme offers a pleasing combination of beige and black, creating an airy and welcoming atmosphere. The materials used throughout the cabin have been upgraded, with soft-touch surfaces in key contact areas enhancing the premium feel.
Seating comfort remains a highlight, with well-contoured seats that provide adequate support for long journeys. The three-row configuration continues to be a major selling point, accommodating seven occupants without feeling cramped.
The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to find their optimal seating position, while the third row offers reasonable space for average-sized adults on shorter trips.
Cargo capacity is impressive, with flexible seating arrangements that can be configured to prioritize either passenger comfort or luggage space. With all seats in place, there’s enough room for weekend bags, and with the third row folded, the available space expands significantly to accommodate larger items.
Technology That Enhances Convenience
The technological upgrades in the new Ertiga reflect Maruti Suzuki’s understanding of contemporary consumer expectations. The touchscreen infotainment system now comes with enhanced connectivity options,
including wireless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows occupants to access navigation, media, and communication functions seamlessly.
The instrument cluster has been updated with a more informative multi-information display that provides real-time data on fuel efficiency, driving range, and maintenance alerts.
Voice recognition capabilities have been improved, allowing drivers to control various functions without taking their hands off the steering wheel.
Convenience features include automatic climate control with rear vents, ensuring that all occupants remain comfortable regardless of external conditions.
USB charging ports are available for front and rear passengers, acknowledging the importance of keeping devices charged during journeys. The smart key system allows for keyless entry and engine start, a feature increasingly expected in this segment.
Performance and Efficiency: The Hallmarks of Ertiga
Under the hood, the new Ertiga continues to be powered by Maruti’s reliable K-series engine, known for its balance of performance and efficiency. The 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine delivers adequate power for city driving and highway cruising, with refined characteristics that complement the vehicle’s family-oriented nature.
The engine comes paired with a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission as standard, while a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is available as an option. The automatic variant offers a convenient driving experience, particularly in urban traffic conditions, without significantly compromising fuel efficiency.
For those seeking alternative fuel options, the CNG variant continues to be offered, providing exceptional running costs for budget-conscious buyers. The CNG system has been integrated thoughtfully, minimizing the impact on luggage capacity while delivering impressive range on a full tank.
The suspension setup strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling stability. The soft damping absorbs road imperfections effectively, ensuring that occupants remain comfortable even on less-than-perfect road surfaces. At the same time, the chassis offers sufficient body control to inspire confidence during cornering and high-speed maneuvers.
Safety: A Priority, Not An Afterthought
Safety features have been enhanced in the new Ertiga, reflecting increased consumer awareness and regulatory requirements. The vehicle now comes equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control as standard across all variants. Higher trims offer side and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive protection for all occupants.
The ISOFIX child seat anchors in the second row make it easier for families with young children to secure child seats properly. The rear parking sensors and camera assist drivers during parking maneuvers, reducing the risk of minor collisions.
The structural integrity of the Ertiga has been improved through the use of high-tensile steel in critical areas, enhancing crash protection without adding excessive weight. This approach aligns with Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to safety while maintaining efficiency.
Variants and Value Proposition
The new Ertiga is available in multiple variants, allowing customers to choose a model that aligns with their requirements and budget. The entry-level variants offer essential features at an accessible price point, while the higher trims include luxury touches that elevate the ownership experience.
In terms of value proposition, the Ertiga continues to offer competitive pricing compared to rivals, making it an attractive option for families looking for a spacious, efficient, and reliable vehicle. The cost of ownership remains reasonable, with Maruti’s extensive service network ensuring that maintenance and repairs are convenient and affordable.
The Ertiga in Context: Market Position and Competition
The MPV segment in India has evolved significantly over the years, with various manufacturers introducing models at different price points. The Ertiga occupies a sweet spot in this spectrum, offering more space than compact SUVs without the premium pricing of larger MPVs.
Its main competitors include the Kia Carens, Renault Triber, and to some extent, compact SUVs that offer seven-seat configurations. Each of these alternatives has its strengths, but the Ertiga’s combination of space, efficiency, reliability, and value continues to resonate with Indian families.
The refresh comes at a strategic time, as consumer preferences shift and new entrants challenge established players. By updating the Ertiga’s design and features while retaining its core strengths, Maruti Suzuki aims to defend its position in this important segment.
Customer Perspectives: Who Is The Ertiga For?
The typical Ertiga customer is a family-oriented buyer who prioritizes practicality and value. The vehicle appeals particularly to nuclear and joint families that require flexible seating arrangements for various scenarios, from daily commutes to weekend getaways.
The Ertiga also finds favor among fleet operators, who appreciate its combination of passenger comfort, reliability, and running costs. The commercial applications of the vehicle speak to its versatility and robust design.
Customer feedback has been a crucial factor in shaping the updates to the Ertiga. Maruti Suzuki has addressed common requests and criticisms while building upon the aspects that owners have consistently praised. This customer-centric approach has contributed to the model’s longevity and success in the Indian market.
Environmental Considerations and Future Direction
As automotive markets globally move toward electrification, the question of sustainability becomes increasingly important. While the current Ertiga relies on conventional powertrains, Maruti Suzuki has been developing hybrid and electric technologies that could feature in future iterations of the model.
The CNG variant represents a step toward reduced emissions and lower operating costs, addressing immediate environmental concerns while more advanced solutions continue to evolve. The lightweight construction and efficient engine also contribute to a reasonable carbon footprint compared to larger, heavier alternatives.
Looking ahead, it’s likely that the Ertiga will incorporate more electrified options as infrastructure and consumer acceptance of such technologies improve in the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki’s partnership with Toyota provides access to hybrid expertise that could benefit the Ertiga in its next generation.
Driving Experience: Comfort Meets Practicality
Behind the wheel, the new Ertiga offers a driving experience that prioritizes comfort and ease of use. The commanding seating position provides good visibility, helping drivers navigate through traffic with confidence. The light steering makes maneuvering in tight spaces straightforward, an important consideration for a vehicle that will often be used in urban environments.
On the highway, the Ertiga demonstrates surprising stability for a tall vehicle, with minimal body roll during lane changes. Road and wind noise are well contained, creating a peaceful cabin environment that facilitates conversation between occupants.
The braking performance is predictable and adequate, inspiring confidence during emergency stops. The overall driving dynamics won’t excite enthusiasts, but they align perfectly with the expectations of the target audience, who value comfort and predictability over sportiness.
Living With The Ertiga: Practical Considerations
For families considering the Ertiga as their daily driver, several practical aspects merit attention. The fuel efficiency is a significant advantage, with the petrol variant delivering around 20 km/l under mixed driving conditions. The CNG variant pushes this figure even higher, though at the cost of some boot space.
Maintenance intervals are typically every 10,000 km, with service costs being reasonable thanks to Maruti’s economies of scale and widespread parts availability. The reliability record of previous Ertiga generations provides reassurance that the new model will offer trouble-free ownership.
The vehicle’s dimensions strike a good balance between interior space and external footprint. At around 4.4 meters in length, the Ertiga fits comfortably in most parking spaces while offering three rows of seating—a remarkable feat of packaging efficiency.
Regional Variations and International Appeal
While designed primarily for the Indian market, the Ertiga has found success in other regions as well, particularly in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. The model is sometimes marketed with minor modifications to suit local preferences and regulations, but the core proposition remains consistent.
In Indonesia, for example, the Ertiga competes in a vibrant MPV market where such vehicles are often the first choice for families. In South Africa, it offers an affordable alternative to more expensive European and Japanese MPVs.
This international acceptance speaks to the universal appeal of the Ertiga’s basic concept: a compact yet spacious family vehicle that doesn’t break the bank to purchase or operate.
Conclusion: A Timely Refresh of a Winning Formula
The new Maruti Ertiga with its refreshed look represents an evolution rather than a revolution—and that’s precisely what was needed. By enhancing the design, adding contemporary features, and refining the driving experience while retaining the core attributes that made the model successful, Maruti Suzuki has ensured that the Ertiga remains relevant in an increasingly competitive market.
For families seeking a versatile, efficient, and value-oriented vehicle, the updated Ertiga makes a compelling case. Its thoughtful design, practical interior, and reliable mechanicals address the everyday needs of its target audience without unnecessary frills that would inflate the price.
As automotive trends come and go, the fundamental requirement for affordable family transportation remains constant. With its latest update, the Maruti Ertiga demonstrates that sometimes, the best approach is to refine a winning formula rather than reinvent the wheel.