MARUTI ERTIGA REVIEW

Maruti Ertiga – LUV (Life Utility Vehicle)

Maruti has taken a fresh approach to the compact UV segment, using the modern parts of the Swift, Dzire and SX4. The platform is that of a modern day passenger car. Maruti calls the Ertiga an LUV (Life Utility Vehicle), a new segment targeted at the urban buyer who needs 3 rows of seats in a compact body at a comparatively cheaper price.

Targeting and Positioning:

Maruti has positioned the Ertiga as a sedan-alternative and may not be looking at targeting the Innova or Xylo. Those who need the larger 7-seater MUVs will and should buy those; as the Ertiga isn't a substitute to a spacious UV that can easily accommodate 7 adults. Instead, the target customer is any middle aged buyer who usually opts for a B+ hatch or a C segment sedan. Maruti even refers to the Ertiga as a "5+2" seater, and not a 7 seater.

If you are considering a sedan like the City, SX4, Etios, Fiesta, Verna or Sunny, the Ertiga makes a case for itself by providing an additional row of seats with similar driving dynamics. In fact, the SX4 might face the biggest sibling rivalry since the Ertiga is newer, has the same engine, better space and is priced almost Rs. 70,000 lesser! Maruti must have taken a closer look at this matter.

Exteriors:

The Ertiga is brilliantly packaged UV if you only consider the compact exterior dimensions. The fact is, this Maruti shares its length & width with the Toyota Etios i.e. 4,265 mm X 1,695 mm. It's amazing how Maruti has been able to fit 7 seats (rather 5+2 seats)! The Ertiga is even shorter than most C2-segment sedans, including the City, Sunny, Vento and Verna. Reports say that Maruti is in talking terms with SIAM to reconsider Ertiga into a different class.

The long headlamps, front grill and bonnet closely resemble the Ritz. Thankfully, the rear isn't lifted from the Ritz (I seriously believe ritz has got a shoddy rear design)! The Ertiga has a tail design which shares a stark resemblance to that of the Honda Jazz, especially with the tail lamp which seems to have been adapted from the latter.

Maruti has richly supplied Ertiga with features. All diesel variants are equipped with ABS as standard equipment. Features wise, the L variant is strictly for taxi & commercial owners. The V variant makes for the most value-for-money choice with ABS, keyless entry, electric mirrors, front & rear fog lamps and an audio system! (That’s a real bet for what you pay).

One would never guess that it's an MPV from the front view. Looks like a regular hatch from Maruti.

Design elements are minimal on the rear. Again, looks more hatch than MPV.

When you look from the sides, many will say that Ertiga resembles a stretched Honda Jazz (Check the rear lamps!).

Interiors:

The dashboard has been inspired from that of kisashi and is identical to the Swift & Dzire, except the Ertiga gets a different colour combo. There is beige & brown here, instead of the black & beige combination of the Dzire. Personally, I didn't like this combo too much. The most used parts of the car, the steering wheel and gear knob are full beige! It will be a pain to keep them clean. The upholstery including the seats and carpets are beige coloured too! In my opinion, the Dzire's black and beige combination would have done the trick. 

As told before, Ertiga's interior packaging is its USP. Getting in and out from the 1st or 2nd row of seats is as easy as taking a candy from a baby. The foot area also has reasonable space. Although dead pedal was missing, there is sufficient space to rest your left leg next to the clutch pedal. Frontal visibility is fantastic and after driving my Linea it was a totally new experience.

Legroom in the 2nd row of seats is a boon or bane. When the 3rd row seats are up, the 2nd row can slide all the way back, giving substantial legroom. But when folded the story is totally different! Getting in & out of the 3rd seat row will always be an exercise! The 3rd row is best suited to kids or short adults only. Make a healthy adult sit here and you've made an enemy for life!

Beige steering wheel and gear knob gets soiled & dirty in no time. Steering wheel is nice to hold and light to use. The Black colour of the head unit should have continued onto the air-conditioning panel below.  

The quality of the upholstery is upto the mark. Beige fabric lining on the door pads get soiled easily. Maruti shouldn't have used beige excessively on areas with frequent human touch.

Other Facts:

·    ARAI fuel efficiency ratings : 16.02 kpl (petrol) and 20.77 kpl (diesel).

·    The ground clearance is rated at 185 mm.

·    Has an interesting colour options to choose from, including a metallic maroon and brown.     However, there is no black colour option! 

·    Toyota sells a similar product, the Avanza, in Thailand and rumour says that the Avanza might be launched in India. Watch out Maruti! 

·    The Maruti Ertiga has been launched in India at a price of between 5.89 - 8.45 Lakhs (ex-showroom).

Hits:

• A 5+2-seater MPV at the price of a C segment sedan.

• Car-like ride, handling & driving experience.

• The diesel engines offers outstanding fuel economy.

• ABS available on all variants, except the base petrol.

• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service & wide dealer network.

Miss:

• Not a spacious 5 seater nor a 7 seater.

• 3rd row is best suited for kids.

• Minimal 135 liter boot capacity(all seats intact).

• Long waiting period for deliveries of the diesel Version.