The Maruti Ertiga Sport could be based on a concept showcased by Suzuki at GIIAS 2018, the launch is likely to take place around June 2019
The new Maruti Ertiga will be launched in India in the coming weeks. The all-new Ertiga is a more premium product than the current version. However, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd won’t stop at the launch of the all-new MPV. It will also launch a sports version. The new Maruti Ertiga Sport will be based on a concept showcased by PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS) at the GIIAS 2018. Its India launch will likely happen in mid-2019.
The Maruti Ertiga Sport is based on the new generation Ertiga. However, it looks a lot sportier owing to several styling updates it carries over the regular model. The front-end is characterised by a honeycomb grille that has red accents. The headlamps have been given a smoke effect while the front bumper is a sportier unit with an underlip spoiler.
In the side profile, the Maruti Ertiga Sport carries sporty alloy wheels that are larger in diameter and have lower profile tires. It also gets sporty side skirts. The rear-end has a faux skid plate, sportier bumper, and a roof spoiler.
The interior of the model remains unchanged. The same can be said for the specifications. Seiji Itayama, SIS president and director that his company’s designers were briefed to come up with a vehicle with an “expressive, stylish look, and reflect the freedom and the owner’s personality.” He also said that the Ertiga Sport concept, along with similar concepts showcased at the motor show, will be turned into a “special edition car variants, accessories and parts.”
Under the hood, the Maruti Ertiga Sport will remain unchanged. The petrol version will be powered by the K15B 1.5-litre VVT four-cylinder petrol engine that made its debut on the Ciaz facelift. This engine outputs a maximum power of 103 bhp along with a peak torque of 138 Nm. For the new MPV, the motor will be mated to the SHVS mild-hybrid system. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual.
The diesel engine option for the Maruti Ertiga Sport will come in the form of a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged offering that outputs 89 bhp and 200 Nm. It comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Even the oil burner will feature an SHVS mild-hybrid technology.
As per Suzuki, the Ertiga turned out to be the biggest success at the GIIAS 2018 with sales of 28.98 per cent of the total sales from the company. In India, the Maruti Ertiga Sport could appeal to all those looking for a practical but a sporty-looking MPV.