Maruti Ertiga goes on show

Maruti unveiled its new Ertiga compact MPV on January 6. The Ertiga, which is due to go on sale by late-March 2012, is Maruti’s first crack at the premium MPV segment. Based on an extended Swift platform, the Ertiga carries the Maruti family look with the front resembling the Ritz hatchback. Since the car’s overall length is 4265mm, it does not qualify for excise benefits available to sub four-metre cars.

Maruti has extended the Swift’s wheelbase to 2740mm and this has allowed the inclusion of a third row of seats – the Ertiga can seat seven passengers in a 2+3+2 layout. Flexible seating also allows reconfiguration of the seats to free up luggage space by folding the last row and also individual seats on the middle row. The cabin features a combination of black and beige plastics, which give the interiors an upmarket look. The dashboard design though is identical to the Swift. The Ertiga will be offered in three trim levels on both petrol and diesel versions, and though climate control will not be offered on any model, a twin AC system will be part of standard kit.

Maruti will debut the new K14B petrol engine on the Ertiga. The latest addition to the K-Series engine family produces 93.87bhp at 6000rpm and 13.25kgm at 4000rpm. If the 16.02kpl ARAI-tested figure is anything to go by, real-world fuel economy from this motor should be good too. Also on offer will be the 89bhp, 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine from the SX4.

Maruti has worked to make the Ertiga as car-like as possible and that is sure to be a major draw for buyers. If priced right, the Ertiga has the makings of yet another winner for Maruti.