Maruti’s first crack at the MPV segment will be in the form of the all-new Ertiga, with badging on this spied car revealing the name. Viewed from the front, the Ertiga looks similar to the Ritz hatchback while the peeled-back headlights that stretch to the pronounced wheel arches are reminiscent of the new Swift. The front bumper styling is quite sporty with a large air inlet and enclosures for the fog lights.
Tail styling looks rather generic though. The Ertiga brief was to seat seven people, which explains this mini-MPV’s 4.2-metre length and 2740mm wheelbase. An interesting detail worth a mention is the corrugated roof for added strength. Maruti has made all efforts 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 Ertiga won’t have Innova levels of space but middle and last row occupants will get roof-mounted AC vents for improved cooling. Oddly, climate control will not be offered even on the top-end ZXi and ZDi variants.
Engine options will include the popular 1.3-litre Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) diesel from the SX4. Suzuki will also debut its latest and largest engine from the K-series family on the MPV. Called the K14, this 1372cc VVT engine delivers a decent 95bhp. We expect this front-wheel drive MPV to exhibit almost car-like manners which will be integral to its appeal. The Ertiga will be competitively priced in the Rs 6-9 lakh range when launched at Auto Expo 2012.
Factfile:
Engines: 1.3-litre diesel, 1.4-litre petrol
Power/Torque: 90bhp/20.39kgm, 95bhp/13kgm
Kerb weight: NA
L/W/H: NA
Expected: January 2012
Price: Rs 6-9 lakh
Maruti has faced its first success when 800 model had come in the market and now the success time has come again after being launched first ever MPV named ertiga, which brings a lot of space inside the MPV and easy to drive as well as good competitor against Innova.
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