Maruti Suzuki India Limited is actively testing the new Ertiga with launch planned by October 2018. Compared to the existing Ertiga, the new gen variant will feature increased proportions and better features. The second generation Maruti Ertiga will also get more safety features and new engine options.
Ahead of launch in India, a reader has sent us an image of the car, which is claimed to be the fully loaded top-end variant of new Ertiga with sporty accessories. The white new Maruti Ertiga is seen with projector headlamps, new alloys, new grille, new bumper, side cladding with ERTIGA sticker, chrome door handles, and much more. Overall, the new Ertiga looks a much more premium MPV as compared to old one.
The new Ertiga gets an all new cabin design which aids better better driver and passenger comfort as well as new onboard technology. The 2018 Ertiga will be seen with a new 7” touchscreen infotainment system supporting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push button start and automatic climate controls. Among its safety features will be dual front air bags, ABS, END and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
2018 Ertiga will be based on the new Heartect platform, shared with the Swift, DZire, Ignis and Baleno. It will be lighter than the current model and dimensions will be increased even as the wheelbase stays the same at 2,740mm. Boot space is reduced to 153 liters which is 32 liters less than the 185 liter capacity boot seen on the current Ertiga. This has been done so as to offer more legroom and headroom to all seven passengers across the three row seats.
New Maruti Ertiga is expected to be seen with an all new 1.5 liter petrol engine. This engine will also get mild hybrid system to aid better fuel efficiency. This engine will first be seen on board the new Ciaz, which will be launched by August 2018. Rated to deliver 103 hp and 138 Nm, it will be offered with manual as well as automatic transmission option.
Diesel engine will continue to be in the form of Fiat sourced 1.3 liter mill, which delivers 90 PS and 200 Nm via a 5 speed manual gearbox. Expect both mills to deliver best in class fuel efficiency. Post launch, 2018 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga will rival the likes of Honda BR-V.