Maruti-Suzuki launches Ertiga MPV priced between 5.89 to 8.54 Lacs

Forget its weird name, forgive its conservative looks and pardon the interiors that have been lifted straight out of the Swift. As Maruti-Suzuki pulled the wraps off the Ertiga yesterday, not many would have realized that this is yet another giant step taken by the company towards stamping its authority in the Indian market. As much as the company dominates the hatchback and entry midsize segments, it has not tasted success in premium segments and Multi Utility Vehicles (MPV). Especially in the latter, competition came and went but the Toyota Innova literally blew them away. All that could change with the Ertiga, Maruti-Suzuki's first proper MPV which the company strangely calls a Life Utility Vehicle (LUV).

As usual, Maruti has played the pricing game pretty well with the Ertiga too. The petrol variants starts from 5.89 Lacs and goes up to 7.30 Lacs while the diesel variants are priced between 7.30 Lacs and 8.54 Lacs, all prices being ex-showroom Delhi. That puts the Ertiga just below the Mahindra Xylo in terms of positioning and the top-end Ertiga is a whooping 5 to 6 Lacs cheaper than the top-end Innova. Maruti-Suzuki would be hoping that the looks, space and features of a MPV at the price and footprint of a midsize sedan would make the Ertiga a big success. And it has every reason to believe so. The Ertiga is just about bigger than a premium hatchback which makes it immensely practical inside the city. That's not all. It can also seat 7 if necessary, or can pack in the entire family's luggage on a vacation.

Though the Ertiga isn't revolutionary in terms of design, it doesn't offend too. The family resemblance to the Ritz and Swift is clearly evident when viewed head-on while the profile makes it look like an elongated Honda Jazz. The interiors are lifted straight out of the all-new Swift and are adequately equipped with good quality, fit and finish. What is particularly commendable is the presence of ABS in all but the base petrol variant. Apart from the regular 1.3 liter Multijet diesel engine that produces 90 PS pf maximum power at 4000 rpm, the Ertiga also has an all-new K14B petrol engine with a maximum power output of 95 PS at 6000 rpm. This is third in the series of Maruti's highly-acclaimed K-Series engines after the K10B and K12M.

With its conservative looks, adequate space, feature-loaded interiors and compact dimensions, the Ertiga is a sure-shot best-seller and, just like most other Maruti-Suzuki models, we foresee a waiting list to own one very soon. There's no stopping the Maruti juggernaut!