Maruti Suzuki will launch the new Ertiga in India on November 21, 2018. The company has begun series production of the second-gen MPV, and the model has been sighted in production form for the first time. As seen from the images, the India-bound Ertiga gets the same exterior styling as the one launched in Indonesia earlier this year. However, the big news is, the MPV spotted in India carries a DDiS badge on its fender, thus confirming that Maruti will introduce both petrol and diesel engine options at launch.
The new Ertiga has grown in length by 99mm, despite having the same 2,740mm wheelbase. The upcoming SUV also gains 40mm in width and 5mm in height. However, despite the increase in dimensions, the boot space has reduced by 32 litres.
The new Ertiga has received a major overhaul in design on the outside, with the new more squared- off front end, new sportier grille, slimmer headlamps, new chrome accents, new character lines on the side as well as a redesigned rear end with a set of Volvo-esque tail-lights. On the inside too, there are supposed to be a host of changes inspired by the new line of Maruti cars and is expected to include a new dashboard, new infotainment system, new instrument cluster and a new flat-bottom steering wheel, automatic AC, Cruise Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (on the top trim), layered dashboard with a premium finish and faux wood inserts.
On the performance front, the new car will be based on the lighter and more flexible Heartect platform, which should also translate to better handling characteristics. The engines on offer will be the new 1.5-litre petrol K15B, four-cylinder engine with SHVS fuel saving tech. The engines will be paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The diesel motor will remain the same 1.3-litre DDiS 200 good for 90hp.
Maruti dealers have begun accepting bookings unofficially. The new Ertiga will take on the likes of the recently launched Mahindra Marazzo and the Honda BR-V in the Indian market.