Maruti launches the Ertiga Compact MPV at the 11th Auto Expo

Shinzo Nakanishi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki launches the Ertiga

Maruti launches the Ertiga Compact MPV at the 11th Auto Expo – 07 January 2012: After unveiling the XA Alpha concept on Day 1, Maruti Suzuki launched the Ertiga on Day 2 at the Auto Expo. The Ertiga is a compact MPV, with a length of 4.2 mts. The 7 seater is positioned in a new category that is expected to work in its favour, as there are no rivals in the compact MPV category yet. It will be available in two engine options- the 1.3 ltr. Super Turbo DDiS Diesel with 80 bhp and the 1.4 ltr. super efficient K-14 petrol with an output of 90 bhp. Maruti promises a fuel efficiency of 16.02 km/l for petrol and 20.77 for diesel.

Expected to be priced in the Rs. 6.0-7.0 lac bracket for the base variant, the vehicle is aimed at the suburban Indian nuclear family – for daily stress free commute, friends, weekends and long drives. The company claims that it will support their lifestyle and meet their aspirations, although I am not too sure about it being an aspirational vehicle. It is practical and a family mover, but could have done better with the styling bit which is not very distinctive. It looks strikingly similar to the Ritz and to an average consumer it would look like an extended Ritz. The actual vehicle is a far cry from the original RIII concept shown at he 2010 Auto Expo, which was a good looking stylish MPV concept that could have easily challenged the Toyota Innova. However this is Maruti’s first venture into the MPV segment, which is going to see a lot of action with the launch of Chevrolet MPV and the Mini Xylo, so perhaps we could expect more improvements in the coming years. The Ertiga is expected to be available at dealerships across India by the 1st week of April 2012.

First look rating- 6/10