Maruti Ertiga : The Maruti Ertiga, known as India’s favorite family MPV, has undergone a significant transformation that reaffirms its status as the leader in the seven-seater market. This update includes modern design upgrades, feature enhancements, and improved comfort, maintaining the practicality that has made the Ertiga a staple in many households.
The most eye-catching adjustments are evident at the front, where the Ertiga showcases a redesigned grille, adorned with chrome strips that elevate its premium look. The new headlamps feature LED daytime running lights, which provide a contemporary appeal. Additionally, the bumper has been revamped, featuring larger air intakes and redesigned fog lamp housings, which together provide the MPV with a more stable and planted profile.
Although the side profile retains the familiar silhouette of the Ertiga, new design elements infuse character into its appearance. The introduction of new 15-inch alloy wheel designs, with a striking dual-tone finish, catches the eye. Furthermore, the floating roof effect, created through blacked-out pillars, enhances the impression of a larger greenhouse, contributing to a visually lighter design.
Maruti Ertiga Interior Evolution
Upon entering the cabin, passengers are greeted with a refreshed interior that skillfully balances functionality and modern features. The dashboard has seen the inclusion of a new soft-touch material that enhances its premium feel, while the center console has been redesigned to house a larger 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system. This system is equipped with wireless apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, voice command capabilities, and the advantage of over-the-air updates.
A larger 4.2-inch color multi-information display occupies the instrument cluster, which provides critical vehicle information and turn-by-turn navigation prompts. Additionally, the steering wheel now boasts premium leather wrapping, along with controls for audio, phone, and cruise control, ensuring a blend of style and utility.
Maruti Ertiga Space and Comfort
The Ertiga has always excelled in space management, and the latest version enhances this attribute. With three rows of seating designed for flexibility, the second row is equipped with a one-touch fold-and-slide feature to facilitate easy access to the third row. The re-engineered seats boast improved cushioning and bolstering, making long journeys more comfortable.
The cabin is lined with clever storage solutions, including large door pockets and numerous cup holders, along with a cooled glove box for additional convenience. Comfortably accommodating two adults, the third row still preserves a generous boot space of 209 liters with all seats in use, which can expand to 803 liters when the third row is folded.
Maruti Ertiga Powertrains and Performance
Under the hood, the Ertiga remains loyal to its refined K15C 1.5-liter Smart Hybrid petrol engine, which has been updated to comply with the latest emission standards. This engine provides 103 PS of power and 137 Nm of torque, delivering adequate performance for both city and highway needs.
The hybrid system incorporates a dual battery arrangement that supports acceleration and enhances fuel efficiency. Buyers can choose between a smooth 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters. The automatic version adopts a new torque converter that yields smoother shifts and optimum responsiveness, while a CNG variant remains available for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
Maruti Ertiga Safety Suite
Safety in the new Ertiga has been advanced, reflecting Maruti Suzuki’s dedication to passenger security. Key standard safety features now include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and Hill Hold Assist, among others. Additionally, ISOFIX child seat anchors and rear parking sensors with a camera enhance the safety profile of the vehicle.
Engineered to comply with contemporary safety regulations, the vehicle’s body structure incorporates high-tensile steel in critical areas to bolster crash protection, while also maintaining an optimal weight balance.
Maruti Ertiga Technology and Connectivity
The latest SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system acts as the technological nucleus of the vehicle. Beyond providing basic smartphone connectivity, added features encompass built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates, voice recognition with natural language understanding, and remote vehicle functions accessible through a smartphone app.
Moreover, the system offers vehicle health monitoring and customizable user profiles, bundled with over-the-air software updates. The zest for audio enthusiasts is met with a high-quality Arkamys sound system featuring six speakers, ensuring superior sound quality throughout the cabin.
Maruti Ertiga Comfort and Convenience
The climate control system has also been enhanced with superior cooling performance and air purification functionalities. Rear AC vents are now available in both the second and third rows, promoting consistent cooling across the cabin. Several notable convenience features further enrich the driving experience, including push-button start/stop, keyless entry, auto-folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and auto headlamps.
Additional features like cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, and tilt-adjustable steering further amplify driving comfort.
Driving Dynamics
The suspension configuration has been tuned to achieve an improved equilibrium between ride comfort and handling. Featuring front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspension, the revised spring rates and damper tuning contribute to enhanced stability at highway speeds while preserving the expected comfort level of a family MPV.
The electric power steering has been fine-tuned to provide better feedback and weight during high-speed driving, while also remaining light and easy to navigate in urban conditions. With a turning radius of just 5.2 meters, the Ertiga demonstrates surprising agility, despite its larger size, in city environments.
Maruti Ertiga Market Positioning and Competition
The updated Ertiga delivers compelling value within the seven-seater segment, primarily competing with other vehicles such as the Kia Carens, Mahindra Marazzo, and Renault Triber. Its positioning is unique as it strikes a perfect balance between practicality, comfort, and affordability.
A streamlined variant lineup presents better value across the spectrum, ensuring that even the base model comes with essential safety and comfort features. The availability of a CNG option distinguishes it within the segment, offering an economical solution without sacrificing comfort and space.
Maruti Ertiga Customization Options
Maruti Suzuki has rolled out new customization packages that allow buyers to tailor their Ertiga to their tastes. The packages consist of various options such as:
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Chrome Package: Enhancements for exterior chrome elements
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Protection Package: Includes body side moldings, mud flaps, and door visors
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Utility Package: Contains boot organizers, seat covers, and floor mats
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Technology Package: Offers a wireless charger, air purifier, and ambient lighting
Verdict
The redesigned Maruti Ertiga builds substantially on its previous success, introducing notable improvements in design, technology, and comfort. Its prowess in space, practicality, and efficiency remains intact, while new design elements and features render it even more attractive to contemporary families.
With a commendable blend of performance and efficiency, the updated Ertiga couples a versatile seven-seat layout with enhanced safety features, establishing itself as a strong candidate in its segment.
The incorporation of modern technology and refined materials caters to past criticisms while maintaining the outstanding value proposition that endeared it to many buyers. Families in search of a reliable, spacious, and comfortable seven-seater vehicle that fits within a budget should view the revamped Maruti Ertiga as a compelling option.
Its harmonious blend of functionality, comfort, and innovative features, all wrapped in a refreshed design, solidifies its standing as a segment leader.