Maruti Ertiga preview

Maruti Suzuki is all-set to showcase it first compact MPV, the Ertiga, at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. However, Autocar India had first unveiled this all-new model back in June 2011, and we also broke the name ‘Ertiga’ in September 2011.

The all-new Ertiga, which is based on the Ritz platform, will be Maruti’s first crack at the MPV segment. It carries the family look with the front resembling the Ritz hatchback while the peeled-back headlights that stretch to the pronounced wheel arches are reminiscent of the new Swift. The front bumper styling is quite sporty with a large air inlet and enclosures for the fog lights. Tail styling looks rather generic though.

See images of the upcoming Maruti Ertiga

The Ertiga will seat seven people, which explains this mini-MPV’s 4.2-metre length and 2740mm wheelbase. An interesting detail worth a mention is the corrugated roof for added strength. Maruti has made all efforts to make its new mini-MPV as car-like as possible and in fact the dashboard and steering wheel have been carried over from the Swift. Lighter materials do their part in giving the interiors a more premium look.

The Ertiga won’t have Innova levels of space but middle and last row occupants will get roof-mounted AC vents for improved cooling. Oddly, climate control will not be offered even on the top-end ZXi and ZDi variants.

In the engine department, Maruti will also add another motor to its popular K-series family - the K14.  As the name suggests, the K14 is a 1.4-litre petrol motor that is equipped with variable-valve timing (VVT).  It will displace 1372cc and deliver a decent 95bhp. The Ertiga will also be powered by the popular 1.3-litre Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) diesel from the SX4.

When launched at the Expo, we expect the Ertiga to be competitively priced in the Rs 6-9 lakh range.

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