Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Facelift First Look Review

Maruti Suzuki will launch the Ertiga facelift this month. The updated version of the seven-seater MUV gets tweaks both to the exterior and interior, apart from the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) hybrid technology for the diesel variants.

The Ertiga facelift made its global debut at the Indonesian Auto Show in August. The cosmetic changes to the front of the car include a new twin slat chrome grille, revised front bumper, new fog lamp housing and a modified air intake. While the side profile remains the same, the rear also gets extra chrome, additional reflectors and a modified tail lamp console. These changes make the new Ertiga look slightly premium compared to the outgoing model.

There are no changes to the interior in terms of design and layout, though the new dark brown trim looks much better. The MUV will get a touch-screen music system with navigation similar to the one seen in the Ciaz and the S-Cross. The engine start button, retractable mirrors and 50:50 split rear seats will also be a part of the features list in the new version. In terms of safety, the driver side airbag will be a standard on all the variants, also Maruti Suzuki will offer the safety option pack with the ABS-EBD and dual airbags in all trim levels.

The petrol version of the Ertiga will use the 1.4-litre K-Series engine tuned to produce 94bhp and 130Nm. Apart from the five-speed manual gearbox, the car will now be available with the conventional four-speed automatic transmission, making it the first automatic MUV in the segment. The diesel version will be powered by the same 1.3-litre DDiS200 engine producing 90bhp and 200Nm of torque. The update to the powertrain includes the SHVS system, which should improve the fuel efficiency by around 10 per cent. The Ertiga diesel hybrid will use regenerative braking to charge the now bigger battery, which in turn will assist during engine start-stop in city traffic. Also it will support the crank in generating torque, reducing the load on the drivetrain.

The Ertiga facelift will be available in total of 11 variants – six petrol and five diesel. The petrol variants will be LXi, VXi and ZXi with the safety option pack for LXi and VXI variants. The automatic will be available only in the VXi trim. The Ertiga diesel will be available in LDi, LDi (O), VDi, VDi (O) and ZDi variants. The Ertiga facelift competes with the Honda Mobilio and the Renault Lodgy in the entry-level MUV segment.