Indian automotive leader Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch its first Utility Vehicle (UV) Ertiga, which has already created buzz in the market due to its unmatched features and styling. The compact model, presented as the first Life Utility Vehicle (LUV) of the industry will cater to the requirements of the changing lifestyles of modern families. Its combination of power, space and flexi-seating will fulfil all the needs of the new-age family in an attractive and compact frame.
The leading car maker of India decided to come up with the nation's first LUV in order to quell the demand for a mobility solution that catered to the masses' need of performance-oriented and stylish vehicle that offered unmatched driving experience. It was designed and developed to suit an exciting and adventurous lifestyle of the modern consumer and serve their requirements through an unparalleled package of modern features and facilities in a refreshing new vehicle.
Called the first LUV from the stables of Maruti Suzuki, this model boasts of sufficient space in compact proportions. In a bid to revolutionise the meaning of mobility in the context of style, space and the promise of changing the way the new consumer of India travels. Moreover, Ertiga represents the manufacturer's venture into the UV segment, which has further strengthened its position in the highly competitive Indian automobile industry. This model is a first in the company's vision of bringing a portfolio of vehicles that are ideal for the changing lifestyles of the Indian buyer.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga appeals to the masses as it offers the perfect mixture of the style, elegance and comfort of a passenger car with the active and dynamic stance that is the characteristic of the Swift series. The manufacturer has taken care of packing ample amount of space within the resource-efficient interiors of the car. Its monocoque frame offers flexibility and riding quality of a passenger vehicle in a body that integrates the hard suspension and dynamics of the conventional ladder-frame structure that UVs possess.
Ertiga holds the distinction of being the first car in Maruti Suzuki's portfolio to sport the new advanced K-series 1.4 litre petrol VVT engine. The VVT mechanism streamlines the intake valve timing and optimises the power delivery, while the engine components with minimised friction levels make sure that motor operates smoothly, with low noise levels and fuel consumption. Apart from this petrol motor, the car will also be available with a 1.3 L DDiS Superturbo VGT intercooler diesel unit.
The petrol engine of Ertiga generates 93.7 hp of maximum power at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm, whereas the diesel-powered variants produce highest power output of 88.76 hp at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at 1750 rpm. The powerful motors fitted in the car maintain excellent fuel efficiency – 16.02 kmpl in the petrol models and 20.77 kmpl in the diesel variants.
Nowadays, space, style and compact dimensions are among the top requirements of UV buyers of India and Ertiga offers them these and much more. The car is 4265 mm long, 1695 mm wide and 1685 mm high, though this relatively compact frame easily accommodates its flexi-seating arrangement. This frame is further bolstered by a long wheelbase of 2740 mm and 15” alloy wheels, while its aggressive stance and strong, shoulder-thick section enable Ertiga to dominate the road.
Ertiga boasts of 3 row flexi-seating options in 2X3X2 format, which enhance the versatility of the vehicle. Along with sufficient seating capacity for a large family, the seating arrangement ensures that all passengers enjoy sufficient legroom and optimum comfort while riding in the LUV. Maruti Suzuki's engineers have spend many hours in coming up with the ideal body configuration, even the dimensions and location of the fuel tank, in order to make sure that all passengers enjoy unparalleled comfort in the Ertiga. The seats in the car's 2nd and 3rd rows can be adjusted easily to suit several permutations and combinations regarding the passengers and load, ranging from 135 to 735 L of cargo space.
In a bid to keep mileage of Ertiga as high as possible and CO2 emissions to a minimum, Maruti Suzuki has made use of a wide variety of light-weighting technologies. The car's excellent handling, sufficient body strength and unmatched cabin quietness are result of the integration of rigid and lightweight steel unibody. Moreover, the formation of the rear drum brakes has been modified and aluminium alloy callipers have been integrated in the front disk brakes in order to restrict the weight of the Ertiga. The most modern and lightest Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), works cohesively with the Engine Control Unit (ECU), such that the driver has more control over the vehicle even on slippery roads and at high speeds.
Suzuki Motor Corporation's proprietary Total Effective Control Technology Concept, a high-impact absorbing body structure, has been used in the Ertiga. Numerous CAD simulations at the manufacturer's end helped it to streamline the frame by applying high-tensile steel, which assists in enhancing rigidity for safety during collisions despite low body mass. Other safety features of the model include SRS dual airbags, high tensile steel safety structure and height-adjustable front headrest. The car also has an immobiliser which allows two-way verification between the key and the car.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga boasts of surprisingly low Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels due to the integration of advanced noise suppression technologies in the engine. Moreover, the company has used sound insulating and absorbing material during the designing stage in order to keep noise levels to a minimum. Along with these, the suspension subframes of the car are also responsible for the improved quietness and ride quality of the Ertiga.
The manufacturer has included a host of features in its upcoming Ertiga, such as 3-spoke, tilt adjustable electric steering; twin AC system; and audio system (USB compatible, 4+2 speakers). Along with these, steering mounted audio controls; central door locking and keyless entry; multi information display; power windows with auto down; and electrically adjustable mirror are also present in the car. Apart from these, multi-reflector headlamps; front fog lamp; rear wiper; side turn indicators on Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVM); body-coloured bumpers; and rear window defogger have also been integrated in the model.
Ertiga will be sold in India in 7 attractive body colours, namely Serene Blue (character colour), Ecru Beige, Firebrick Red, Granite Grey, Superior White, Dusky Brown and Silky Silver. Buyers can choose between six trim levels - LXi, VXi and ZXi (petrol) and LDi, VDi and ZDi (diesel). Some of the features of the LXi and LDi variants are manual AC, engine immobiliser, power steering, internally adjustable ORVM (manual), accessory socket and 60/40 spilt seats (2nd row seats with seat slide). These variants also boast of tilt steering, retractable cup holder, body-coloured bumpers, low fuel warning lamp and door lock canceller (front). Apart from these, the LDi variant also has ABS for added safety while driving.
A host of features are present in the VXi and VDi variants of Ertiga, such as twin AC, security alarm system (door+ hood), full wheel cap, tachometer, front fog lamp and audio system with CD player, USB compatibility, speakers (FRX2+RRX2). Apart from these, seat back pocket (co-driver side), front seat belts shoulder adjust, rear centre armrest (w/o cup holder), front and rear power windows, driver's side power window auto down, coloured outside door handles and ORVM are also available in these models. Remote keyless entry, D/N IRVM, ORVM-mounted turn indicators, electrically adjustable ORVM, passenger vanity mirror, front and rear fog lamps, front and rear mud guard and FE display (instantaneous and average) are other notable features of these variants. ABS with EBD is available as a standard feature in VDi variant, while it is optional in VXi variant.
Called the first LUV from the stables of Maruti Suzuki, this model boasts of sufficient space in compact proportions. In a bid to revolutionise the meaning of mobility in the context of style, space and the promise of changing the way the new consumer of India travels. Moreover, Ertiga represents the manufacturer's venture into the UV segment, which has further strengthened its position in the highly competitive Indian automobile industry. This model is a first in the company's vision of bringing a portfolio of vehicles that are ideal for the changing lifestyles of the Indian buyer.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga appeals to the masses as it offers the perfect mixture of the style, elegance and comfort of a passenger car with the active and dynamic stance that is the characteristic of the Swift series. The manufacturer has taken care of packing ample amount of space within the resource-efficient interiors of the car. Its monocoque frame offers flexibility and riding quality of a passenger vehicle in a body that integrates the hard suspension and dynamics of the conventional ladder-frame structure that UVs possess.
With these six evenly placed and feature-rich variants, Maruti Suzuki will aim to capture a sizeable portion of the UV segment of India. This segment is responsible for approximately 14 per cent of the market, with 2/3rd of these accounting solely for Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), which Ertiga competes against. The MPV segment has grown at a stupendous rate of 15 per cent in the past 4 years. This figure is alongside the 12 per cent rise in market share shown by the UVs during the same period, making MPVs the fastest growing sub-segment in UVs. Upon launch, Ertiga will set the precedent for compact 3-row passenger vehicles aimed mainly for the urban, modern Indian buyers looking for next generation mobility solutions that offer compactness and flexibility.
![Maruti Suzuki Ertiga [2018-2022]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/n/cw/ec/35211/ertiga-exterior-right-front-three-quarter-141879.jpeg?q=80 "Maruti Suzuki Ertiga [2018-2022]")
