Maruti Ertiga Diesel Automatic

The Maruti Ertiga, specifically the diesel variant, is a versatile and practical MPV designed with family needs in mind. It features a 1.3-liter DDIS 200 diesel engine that, although not the most powerful, is highly reliable and fuel-efficient. The vehicle boasts a comfortable ride quality, thanks to its improved suspension, making long journeys pleasant. The interior is spacious and well-appointed, with multiple seating configurations and ample storage space. Safety features, though not exhaustive, include essential elements like dual airbags and ABS (though ABS is missing in some lower trims). The Ertigas maintenance costs are also relatively low, adding to its appeal as a budget-friendly family car. However, the absence of an automatic transmission in the diesel variant is a notable omission. Overall, the Ertiga remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, spacious, and economical MPV.

The Maruti Ertiga Diesel Automatic, while a popular choice in the MPV segment, has some significant drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. One of the major issues is the lack of an automatic transmission option for the diesel variant Maruti Suzuki only offers the diesel engine with a manual gearbox. This limitation can be a deal-breaker for those who prefer the convenience of an automatic. However, the diesel engine itself is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, especially for long-distance driving. The 1.3-liter DDIS 200 diesel motor produces 90 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque, which is adequate but not exceptional, especially in city driving where low-end lag can be noticeable. Despite these limitations, the Ertigas ride quality, comfort, and spacious interior make it a solid choice for family use.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertigas safety features have been a point of discussion, especially after it received a 3-star safety rating from Global NCAP in 2019. While the Ertiga offers essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS, and ESP, higher trims include additional side airbags. I believe that while the Ertiga is reliable, Maruti could improve its safety ratings to compete better in the market.

Maruti Suzuki has also introduced a new cab variant of the Ertiga, the Tour M diesel, targeted at fleet operators. This variant is priced at Rs. 9.81 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and features the new 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It boasts an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 24.2 kmpl. I think this is a smart move to cater to the fleet market with a fuel-efficient and reliable option.

The new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, set to launch soon in India, will not offer a diesel automatic variant. The automatic gearbox will only be available with the petrol version, featuring a conventional 4-speed torque convertor automatic. The diesel engine, on the other hand, will be paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual gearbox. I believe this decision might disappoint some buyers looking for the convenience of an automatic with the diesel engine.

Maruti Suzuki has phased out the 1.3-litre diesel engine from the Ertiga lineup, replacing it with a 1.5-litre diesel engine. This change was made due to the BS6 emission norms, which made it financially impractical to upgrade the older diesel engine. The new 1.5-litre diesel engine is part of Marutis in-house developments and is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. I think this move is a step towards more efficient and compliant engines, even if it limits transmission options.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertigas diesel variants have seen significant changes over the years, with the introduction of the 1.5-litre DDiS 225 diesel engine in 2019. This engine replaced the older 1.3-litre Multijet unit and is known for its better performance and efficiency. However, it is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. I believe this engine has been a good upgrade, offering more power and torque while maintaining fuel efficiency.

In India, the Maruti Ertiga, particularly the diesel variants, are priced competitively. However, since there is no automatic transmission option for the diesel, we focus on the manual diesel variants. The ex-showroom price for the Maruti Ertiga diesel manual can range from approximately 9.5 lakhs to 11.5 lakhs, depending on the trim level. On-road prices, including taxes, registration, and other costs, can range from around 10.5 lakhs to 13.5 lakhs. These prices make the Ertiga an attractive option in the MPV segment, especially considering its fuel efficiency and maintenance costs. However, the absence of an automatic diesel variant may push some buyers towards other options.

The Maruti Ertiga diesel is renowned for its excellent fuel efficiency. With the 1.3-liter DDIS 200 diesel engine, you can expect a mileage of around 25 kilometers per liter on highways and approximately 20-22 kilometers per liter in city driving. This makes it an economical choice for both long-distance travel and daily urban use, significantly reducing running costs.