Maruti Suzuki launches CNG-powered Ertiga at Rs 887,689

In a bid to accelerate sales of its second-generation Ertiga MPV, Maruti Suzuki India today launched the factory-fitted, CNG-powered variant at Rs 887,689 (ex-showroom Delhi).  

When compared to the Ertiga VXi, the Ertiga CNG costs around Rs 71,000 more. It is offered in 7-seat configuration with the factory-fitted 10.86kg (60-litre water equivalent) CNG tank positioned under the luggage bay floor. The claimed fuel efficiency on the CNG variant is 26.2 km/kg. The CNG variant of the standard Ertiga is available in the mid-spec VXi trim-level. 

In terms of features, the MPV gets power steering, front and rear power windows, remote central locking, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminder, rear parking sensors, coloured MID, an audio system with AUX, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-mounted audio and call controls, four speakers, first and second row 12V power outlets, head rests in all three rows, and a dual-tone dashboard. 

The Ertiga CNG is powered by Suzuki's 1.5-litre, K15B petrol engine that produces 105hp and 138Nm of torque on petrol, though on CNG, these figures reduce a bit as the output comes down to 92hp and 122Nm. The engine is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Maruti does not offer the CNG kit with the SHVS smart hybrid system engine option. 

New Ertiga averages sales of 7,664 units over 8 months
Maruti Suzuki India has announced sale of over 61,000 units of the New Ertiga MPV, which was launched on November 23, 2018, priced from Rs 774,000 for the base LXi petrol variant and going up to Rs 10.90 lakh for the top-spec ZXi+ diesel version. 

As per Autocar Professional's data, the new second-generation Ertiga has sold a total of 61,317 units for the eight-month November 2018-June 2019 period, averaging 7,664 units each month or 255 units every single day. The 61,317 units sold comprise 31,608 petrol variants and 29,709 diesel, making for a petrol:diesel ratio of 51:49 percent.

These sales constitute a 60.22 percent year-on-year increase, given that the first-generation Ertiga sold a total of 38,269 units in the November 2017 to June 2018 period, comprising 16,982 petrol and 21,287 diesel units, which also translates into a 44:56 percent petrol:diesel variant mix.

With this latest variant introduction, the new Ertiga becomes the sole MPV in India to offer a factory-fitted CNG option. This move should give a fillip to the sales of the MPV which is a regular in the monthly Top 5 best-selling UVs in India. In June 2019, the Ertiga sold a total of 7,567 units and took the fourth place on the chart.

Commenting on the CNG Ertiga launch and the spike in sales of the second-gen model, Shashank Srivastava, Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India, said: “The Ertiga has managed to win customer hearts with its focus on safety, design, style, space and performance. In the short span of eight months of its launch, the the new Ertiga’s accomplishment of achieving the market leader position in MPVs is overwhelming considering the growing competition in this segment. With the CNG-powered Ertiga, customers will be able to enjoy the benefit of better fuel economy and superior technology which is safe, reliable and environment friendly.”

In related news, Maruti will launch the Ertiga-based XL6 6-seater on August 21, 2019, and it will be sold via the carmaker's premium Nexa dealer network. 

Also read: Maruti Suzuki Q1 profit falls 27.3%, sharpest decline in 4 years