Expert Review by Maxabout

Introduction

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga's first-gen model was launched in the country back in April 2012, and that model was a mini MPV based majorly on the Swift. The second-gen model that debuted in November 2018 was a compact MPV based on the brand’s Heartect platform. The name "Ertiga" was invented from the word "R-Tiga," where "R" stands for "row" and "Tiga" is the Indonesian word that stands for "three," thus it refers to its three-row seating capacity.

It was the first model by the Japanese manufacturer to enter this segment. Since its launch in the country, it has remained a success story for Maruti Suzuki. The Ertiga's primary markets are India and Indonesia, where the model is mostly manufactured. The car has also been sold to various South Asian and Southeast Asian regions, as well as numerous African and Latin American nations.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Design and Style

2023 Ertiga gets a classy front fascia that boasts a chrome-winged radiator grille. The headlamps and fog lamp units are designed perfectly to go well with the more aggressive and sleeker look. The elevated bonnet with well-defined crease lines, as well as the body-coloured fangs above the fog lamps, give the design an SUV feel.

Turning to the side profile, the noticeable crease line continues from the front fender to the wraparound tail lights. It adds interest to what would otherwise be a slab-sided profile.

The rear end offers the MPV a premium look with chrome inserts on the tailgate. Also, the 3D origami-style LED tail lights add to its beauty as well as sophistication. In terms of body dimensions, the Ertiga is 4395mm long, 1735mm wide, and 1690mm tall (unladen), with a wheelbase of 2740mm.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Engine and Gearbox

Maruti Suzuki has offered the new Ertiga MPV with two powertrain options-Petrol and CNG. The first one is a 1.5-L, K15C Smart Hybrid, 1462cc, 4-cylinder, petrol engine that churns out 101.6 HP at 6000 rpm and 136.8 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm and comes mated with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. While the other one is a 1.5-L, K15C, 1462cc, 4-cylinder engine with S-CNG technology that is capable of generating 99.2 HP at 6000 rpm and 136 Nm at 4400 rpm in petrol mode and 86.6 HP at 5500 rpm and 121.5 Nm at 4200 rpm in CNG mode. This engine is coupled with 5-speed manual transmission only.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Interior, Instrument Cluster & Boot Space

On the inside, you have a lovely flat dash that is sort of a three-tone with the grey, the wood inlay, and the beige at the bottom. The wood is still a touch plasticky, but at this price range, it looks great. There's a good AC vent that goes straight across the dash, giving it a fair amount of breadth. The front seats are appropriately supported and keep the passengers comfortable, even on extended rides. The middle row seats have a 40:60 split and can be pushed forward for easier access to the third row.

The instrument cluster of the car includes a TFT with MID that offers prominent information like a tachometer, gear shift indicator, digital clock, CNG fuel gauge, distance-to-empty, outside temperature gauge, and all. For carrying your luggage easily, the brand has offered the MPV with 209-litre boot space when all three rows are up and is further expandable to 803-litres after folding the second and third row.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Brakes, Suspension & Tyres

As for the braking system, it is done by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. While the suspension duties are assigned to McPherson Strut & Coil Spring at the front and Torsion Beam & Coil Spring at the rear. The MPV rides on 15-inch alloy wheels which are shod in 185/65 size tubeless tyres.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Key Features

Speaking of the offered key features in the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, it comes fitted with projector headlamps, 3D origami-style LED tail lights, retractable ORVMs, 17.78cm Smartplay Pro, cruise control, TFT multi-colour display, second-row roof-mounted AC, connected car technology with Suzuki Connect, remote keyless entry, 12V power sockets, power & tilt steering, Bluetooth connectivity, four speakers & two tweeters, USB and AUX connectivity, steering mounted audio and calling controls, cabin lamp, footrest, rear wiper & washer and many more. Taking into consideration the passenger safety, the brand has equipped the MPV with quad airbags, hill hold, ESC, ABS with EBD and brake assist, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, rear parking camera & sensors, central locking and many more sophisticated features.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Top Speed, Acceleration & Mileage

2023 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga accelerates from 0-100 kmph within 13 seconds and can reach a top speed of 165-170 km/h. As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the MPV can offer a mileage of 25-26 km/kg for the CNG variants and 18-20 km/l for the petrol variants.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Variants & Colour Options

2023 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is available in the Indian market with a total of nine variants called LXi MT, VXi MT, VXi AT, VXi CNG, ZXi MT, ZXi AT, ZXi CNG, ZXi Plus MT and ZXi Plus AT. While the offered paint scheme includes shades like Pearl Metallic Auburn Red, Pearl Metallic Oxford Blue, Metallic Magma Grey, Splendid Silver, Pearl Arctic White and Dignity Brown.

Ex-showroom Price & On-Road Price

The new Ertiga is available at a starting ex-showroom of Rs 8.35 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 12.79 lakh for the top-end variant. Now, to understand the difference between ex-showroom and on-road prices, the ex-showroom price of a car is the sticker price that does not include the cost of road tax, insurance, and registration. The on-road price, on the other hand, includes the previously mentioned costs as well as the cost of insurance, RC, one-time road tax, extended warranty, and all accessories purchased for the vehicle. It is worth noting that on-road prices in our country vary greatly from state to state.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Competitors

In the Indian car market, the new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga competes with the likes of Mahindra Marazzo, Datsun GO Plus, Toyota Innova Crysta, Maruti Nexa XL6, Kia Carens and Renault Triber.

Verdict - Should You Buy Maruti Suzuki Ertiga or not?

2023 Ertiga is a well-rounded product that outperforms its established and popular predecessor in a variety of ways. It has a nice appearance, a premium feel, and is well-equipped. The hybrid engine is the icing on the cake, and the Ertiga represents excellent value as a whole. Aside from that, Maruti Suzuki has nailed it with competitive pricing. If you want a family car with plenty of room, features, and an SUV-like appearance, this is the vehicle for you.