The Ertiga is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) manufactured by the Indian automaker Maruti Suzuki since 2012. With three rows of seating and space for up to 7 passengers, the Ertiga combines the practicality of a minivan with the maneuverability and fuel efficiency of a hatchback.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll take an in-depth look what type of car is the Ertiga to understand exactly what type of car it is and what it offers buyers. Key topics will include:
- Ertiga model overview and evolution since 2012
- Key specifications like dimensions, engine options, and fuel economy
- Interior and cargo space analysis
- Ride, handling and performance on road
- Safety features and ratings
- Pricing and variants available in India
- Comparisons with other MPVs like the Toyota Innova and Mahindra Marazzo
- Overall pros and cons of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
By the end of this 3,000+ word guide, you’ll have a complete understanding of how the Ertiga mixes elements of hatchbacks and MPVs to create a unique and compelling compact family vehicle for the Indian market.
What Type of Car is the Ertiga?
First Generation (2012-2018)
The first-generation Maruti Suzuki Ertiga was launched in India in April 2012. Developed specifically for the Indian market, it was aimed at personal and fleet customers looking for an affordable and practical people carrier with good space, efficiency and maneuverability.
Some key facts and figures about the original Ertiga:
- Segments: Compact MPV / Wagon
- Length: 4265mm
- Width: 1695mm
- Wheelbase: 2740mm
- Ground Clearance: 185mm
- Seating Capacity: 7
- Engine options: 1.4L petrol, 1.3L diesel
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
The petrol engine was a 1.4-liter K-series producing 95PS power and 130Nm torque. The diesel was a 1.3-liter DDiS producing 90PS and 200Nm. Both engines were derived from existing Maruti Suzuki hatchback models like the Swift and Ritz.
The first Ertiga came with features like power windows, central locking, rear AC vents, keyless entry, steering mounted controls, dual airbags and ABS. Top-end models added alloy wheels, 2-DIN audio system and rear parking sensors.
Second Generation Facelift (2018-present)
Maruti Suzuki launched the facelifted second-generation Ertiga in November 2018. The updated model got a thoroughly refreshed exterior and interior design plus new features and equipment.
Changes in the 2018 Ertiga facelift included:
- New front grille, bumpers, headlamps and fog lamps
- New alloy wheel design
- Dual-tone interior with faux-wood accents
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Automatic climate control
- Cruise control
- Engine auto start/stop system
- CNG variants introduced
The 1.4L petrol was replaced by a new 1.5L K15B petrol motor making 105PS power and 138Nm torque, mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto. The tried and tested 1.3L DDiS diesel engine continued unchanged.
Safety features were enhanced with standard ABS, EBD, dual airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors and reverse parking sensors even in the base variant.
Ertiga Dimension and Layout Analysis
As a compact 7-seater MPV built on Suzuki’s Heartect platform, the Ertiga measures 4265mm in length, 1695mm in width and 1685mm in height. Key dimensions include:
- Wheelbase – 2740mm
- Ground clearance – 180mm
- Boot space – 209 liters (3rd row folded)
- Fuel tank capacity – 45 liters
Exterior design follows a traditional MPV silhouette with minimally flared wheel arches, a slightly raked A-pillar, roof rails and an overall tall stance. The front fascia features a wide grille flanked by sweptback headlamps and fog lamps.
Inside, the cabin layout is optimized for interior space through:
- A centrally mounted dashboard
- Bench-style second row seating
- Sliding and reclining third row seats
- Roof-mounted rear AC vents
- Cabin air-cooling ducts for second and third rows
This allows comfortable seating for up to 7 adults along with ample legroom for third row passengers.
Boot space is a decent 209 liters with the third row folded, expanding to 550 liters with second row folded. This expands cargo capacity for family road trips or airport runs.
Engine Options and Fuel Economy
The Ertiga is available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, both with the option of automatic and manual transmissions.
Petrol Engine
- 1.5L K15B – 105PS at 6000 rpm, 138Nm at 4400 rpm
- 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto
- Mileage: 19.34 kmpl (MT), 18.69 kmpl (AT)
Diesel Engine
- 1.3L DDiS – 90PS at 4000 rpm, 200Nm at 1750 rpm
- 5-speed manual
- Mileage: 24.20 kmpl
The diesel offers the best fuel efficiency for high mileage users, touching 24 kmpl with the manual. But the new 1.5L petrol also delivers decent mileage of 19 kmpl with the manual and 18.69 kmpl with the automatic variant.
CNG variants are also available for both engines:
- Petrol CNG – 82PS, 122Nm – Mileage 26.08 km/kg
- Diesel CNG – 80PS, 135Nm – Mileage 31.59 km/kg
Interior Comfort, Convenience and Practicality
As an affordable 7-seater MPV, the Ertiga focuses on practicality and space over luxury. But the cabin still offers decent equipment and comfort for an enjoyable drive.
Seating:
- 7 seats – 2 front, 3 middle, 2 third row
- Bench middle row, sliding/reclining third row
- Spacious and supportive seats even in third row
- Cabin air cooling for middle and rear rows
Comfort and Convenience:
- Tilt adjustable steering wheel
- Height adjustable driver’s seat
- Second row AC vents
- 12V charging sockets in all rows
- Cooled upper glovebox
- Push button start/stop (AT only)
- Cruise control (AT only)
Infotainment:
- 7-inch touchscreen system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 4 speakers, 2 tweeters
- Bluetooth, USB, Aux connectivity
Utility Spaces:
- 209L boot space (3rd row folded)
- Multiple cup holders and door pockets
- Cooled glovebox
- Roof-mounted sunglass holder
Safety Features:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Front seat belt pretensioners
- High-speed warning alert
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
Ride, Handling and Performance
Ride quality in the Ertiga is tuned towards comfort over sportiness, as expected in an MPV. The suspension smooths out most bumps and potholes for a plush ride, especially for second and third row passengers.
The chassis offers neutral handling with moderate body roll in corners. Steering is light and smooth for easy maneuverability in city traffic. High speed stability is also good.
The petrol engine offers adequate power for city driving and highway cruising. There is some hesitation at lower RPMs, so gear changes need to be planned out. Cabin insulation is excellent.
The diesel offers stronger mid-range torque, pulling cleanly from 1500 RPM. It feels punchier in the 40-100 kmph range and effortless for overtaking. Cabin noise is well contained.
The automatic variants sacrifice a bit of punchiness for the smoothness and convenience of an auto. Gear changes can feel a bit slow though.
Overall, the Ertiga offers a balanced ride and handling package tuned for ride comfort and easy drivability – perfect for urban commutes or highway trips packed with family and luggage.
Safety Ratings and Performance
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has achieved respectable safety scores from testing agencies.
In the Global NCAP crash test, the Ertiga scored a 3-star rating for adult occupancy and a 2-star rating for child occupancy. This indicates acceptable but not segment-leading safety.
Key test results:
- Adult Occupant Protection: 12.52 out of 17
- Child Occupant Protection: 14.03 out of 49
- Safety Assist Systems: 6.45 out of 8
The body shell integrity was rated stable and capable of withstanding further load. But chest protection for the driver and front passenger showed marginal weak spots.
The Ertiga offers standard safety equipment like ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, ISOFIX anchors and rear sensors even in the base variant. Higher variants add features like ESP and hill-hold assist.
Ertiga Variants and Pricing
The Ertiga is available in both petrol and diesel engine options, with manual and automatic transmissions. There are four trim levels to choose from:
Ertiga Petrol Variants
- LXI – Rs 8.35 lakh
- VXI – Rs 9.49 lakh
- ZXI – Rs 10.59 lakh
- ZXI+ – Rs 11.21 lakh
Ertiga Diesel Variants
- LDI – Rs 10.14 lakh
- VDI – Rs 11.29 lakh
- ZDI – Rs 12.39 lakh
- ZDI+ – Rs 13.01 lakh
CNG variants with factory-fitted CNG kits are also available across two trim levels:
- VXI CNG – Rs 10.61 lakh
- ZXI CNG – Rs 11.78 lakh
Key features by variant:
- LXI/LDI – Dual airbags, ABS, rear sensors, manual AC
- VXI/VDI – 7-inch touchscreen, rear camera, keyless entry
- ZXI/ZDI – Alloy wheels, push button start/stop, auto AC
- ZXI+/ZDI+ – Cruise control, auto headlamps, leather steering wheel
With on-road prices ranging from Rs 8.5 lakh to Rs 14 lakh, the Ertiga offers an affordable 7-seater option for many buyers in India.
How Does the Ertiga Compare with Other MPVs?
The compact 7-seater MPV space has few contenders like the Mahindra Marazzo and Toyota Innova Crysta. Here’s how the Ertiga stacks up against them:
Vs Mahindra Marazzo
- More affordable than Marazzo
- Slightly less spacious
- Easier to drive and park
- Similar features and comfort
- Marazzo has option of 8 seats
Vs Toyota Innova Crysta
- Over Rs 5 lakh more affordable
- Less powerful engine options
- Inferior ride quality and luxury
- Much easier to maneuver due to smaller size
- Less luggage room with all rows up
While the Ertiga can’t match the space and comfort of the premium Innova Crysta, it offers an impressive value proposition for buyers wanting 7 seats on a budget. The Marazzo is a closer competitor with similar pricing.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Ertiga?
Pros
- Comfortable and flexible 7-seater capacity
- Spacious second and third row seating
- Smooth ride quality
- Good mileage from petrol and diesel engines
- Automatic options available
- Light steering makes driving and parking easy
- Maruti’s excellent sales and service network
- Higher safety rating than some competitors
- Affordable pricing with variants to suit budget
Cons
- Engine power is just adequate, not exciting
- Third row space tighter than larger MPVs
- Somewhat utilitarian interior design
- Lower variants lack features like auto AC
- Safety ratings could be better
- Resale value not as high as Toyota Innova
Conclusion
In this detailed 3,000+ word guide, we have comprehensively analyzed what type of car the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is and how it fits into the Indian automotive market.
To summarize, the Ertiga combines the practicality and efficiency of a hatchback with the space and versatility expected from an MPV. Priced affordably, with decent comfort, space and equipment, it’s an ideal family vehicle for budget-conscious buyers who need 7 seats.
Compared to premium MPVs like the Toyota Innova Crysta, the experience is certainly not luxury-class. But robust sales prove the Ertiga hits a sweet spot for many customers. With Maruti’s extensive service network, it’s a practical choice for the long run too.
So if you need an efficient, maneuverable 7-seater for family duties rather than status symbol, and don’t want to spend upwards of Rs 15 lakhs, the Maruti Ertiga could be the right mix of size, features and affordability for your needs. Take a thorough test drive to decide if it suits your priorities.