Maruti Suzuki is all set to reveal its first MPV in the name of Ertiga, at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. The Ertiga will be born out of the same Ritz platform which will be the first attempt from Maruti at the MPV segment. The car suits the needs of the family audience with the front resembling the Ritz hatchback.
The Ertiga will seat seven people which are substantiated by the 4.2-metre length and 2740mm wheelbase. The roof has been corrugated to add that extra strength. The company has left no stone unturned to make its new mini-MPV as car-like as possible and in fact the dashboard and steering wheel have been carried over from the Swift.
Lighter materials do their part in giving the interiors a more premium look. The head lamps extend up to the huge wheel arches which are peeled-back reminding you of the new Swift. The style factor also flows to the front bumper which is quite sporty with a large air inlet and enclosures for the fog lights. The tail though seems to have been forgotten which looks typical of most run of the mill SUVs.
The Ertiga in no way will look to take on the Innova in terms of the space but the middle and last row occupants will get roof-mounted AC vents for improved cooling. Unfortunately the Ertiga will be bereft of climate control even on the top-end ZXi and ZDi variants.
In matters of engine, the Maruti Ertiga will have another addition to its popular K-series family - the K14. As the name suggests, the K14 is a 1.4-litre petrol motor that is equipped with variable-valve timing (VVT). It will displace 1372cc and deliver a decent 95bhp. The Ertiga will also be powered by the popular 1.3-litre Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) diesel from the SX4.
When launched at the Expo, we expect the Ertiga to be competitively priced in the Rs 6-9 lakh range. The Ertiga will look to unsettle the likes of Mahindra Bolero, Tata Sumo, Mahindra Mini Xylo and the new Toyota Innova.
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