Buying Used: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

GOOD FOR: Practicality, Fuel efficiency 

LOOK OUT FOR:  Brake wear, Touchscreen

The Ertiga is a practical and spacious MPV that offers seating for up to seven passengers. Its light controls and compact dimensions make it very user-friendly and easy to drive. This makes it a good candidate for a used buy, but there are a few things you should know first.

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been a sales success ever since it was launched in 2012, thanks to its practicality, efficiency and value-for-money aspect. In 2018, Maruti launched the second-generation Ertiga, which built on its predecessor’s strengths but also added more space and features.

The second-gen Ertiga came with two engine options at launch – an all-new 1.5-litre petrol engine from the Ciaz that’s good for 105hp and 138Nm of torque, and Maruti’s staple Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre diesel motor, which produces 90hp and 200Nm of torque. Both engines come with Maruti’s SHVS hybrid technology, which is claimed to aid fuel efficiency. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual as standard, with a 4-speed torque convertor automatic offered only with the petrol Ertiga.

Maruti introduced a 91hp, petrol-CNG variant as well as an all-new in-house-developed 95hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox to the range at a later stage. However, both, the 1.3 litre as well as the new 1.5 litre diesel engines were discontinued in April 2020, due to the BS6 emission norms.

In terms of fuel efficiency, on our tests, the petrol-manual Ertiga returned 9.5kpl in the city and a healthy 16.8kpl on the highway. The petrol-automatic returned 7kpl in the city and 15kpl on the highway. The 1.3 diesel, meanwhile, did 15.2kpl in the city and 19.4kpl on the highway. While we didn’t test the CNG or the 1.5 diesel, their claimed fuel efficiency is 26.08km/kg and 24.20kpl, respectively.

It’s best to look for a higher trim model, like a Z or a Z+, in the used market as they offer what would be must-have features today. The top-spec Z+ trims come equipped with Maruti Suzuki’s SmartPlay infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and navigation, rear parking sensors with camera, automatic climate control, 15-inch alloys, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Dual airbags and ABS are standard across all variants, with ESP and hill-hold function being offered on the automatic variants. However, the Ertiga does miss out on features such as LED headlamps with DRLs, which are on offer with the XL6, and diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Choosing the right engine-gearbox combination depends on your usage. The petrol Ertiga makes sense for most buyers, as they are cheaper to buy and run than the diesels and are quite frugal as well. The automatic gearbox option also adds to the convenience.

However, if your usage involves regular long-distance runs with the family, it’s one of the diesels you should pick. Both diesels are punchy enough and offer good fuel economy, but it’s the 1.5 diesel that’s far nicer to drive and also more refined. However, getting a used 1.5 diesel will be difficult as Maruti had the model on sale for less than a year.

Being a Maruti Suzuki product, the Ertiga is mechanically reliable. Furthermore, the carmaker’s widespread service network throughout the country and relatively affordable spare part prices should offer you the peace of mind.

Buyer, beware…

Brake wear

Few owners have also faced premature brake wear. It’s best to get the brake pads and rear drums inspected before buying.

Touchscreen

On top-spec trims, check if the SmartPlay touchscreen is functioning smoothly. Owners have faced issues where the touchscreen lags and sometimes even crashes.

Start/stop function

Some owners have faced issues with the mild-hybrid system not functioning properly. On a test drive, check if the car shuts down when you come to a halt and starts off smoothly once you depress the clutch.

Also worth knowing

Maruti Suzuki issued a recall for the Ertiga petrol, along with the XL6 and Ciaz, manufactured between January 1, 2019, and November 21, 2019, to fix a fault with the motor-generator unit of the SHVS mild-hybrid system. Ensure that the car you are looking to purchase has got this rectified.

How much to spend

Rs 8-10 lakh

Given that this generation of Ertiga is still on sale, prices in the used market are on the higher side. Also, Maruti Suzuki models generally have a high resale value which means haggling could be difficult. However, look hard enough through the classifieds and you will find the right one in your budget.

Also see:

Buying Used: (2018-2020) Hyundai Creta

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