Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Tour version will likely be based on the entry-level variant to appeal for cab aggregators wanting high fuel efficiency in budget pricing
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) is all pumped to launch the new generation Ertiga in the domestic scenes in the coming months and it is a huge departure from the model currently on sale. Based on the lightweight Heartect architecture, the upcoming Ertiga has bigger proportions allowing for more interior room with additional safety. The lightness will come into play for increased fuel efficiency.
The new Ertiga is 99 mm longer and 40 mm wider as well as 5 mm taller with lesser kerb weight compared to the outgoing model with similar wheelbase. However, the ground clearance is reduced by 5 mm and the boot volume shrunken by 32 litres. The existing Ertiga is the best-selling vehicle in its segment and in fact the only MPV in the country with high volume sales other than Toyota Innova Crysta.
Also Read: All-New 2018 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Launching In India This October
Carmakers have the tendency to use their ousted models for cab aggregation when a new generation version comes into replace them in the passenger car market. Toyota’s Etios twins are a prime example as they have good reception among taxi operators and the demands have been consistent. Maruti Suzuki’s old Swift Dzire, for instance, is popular with the fleet owners and the same trend could follow with the outgoing Ertiga MPV.
Maruti Suzuki is expected to introduce the Tour badge on the Ertiga very soon and the entry-level variant will be used for this purpose with no change in powertrain options. It will continue to use the 1.4-litre petrol engine developing 94 bhp and 130 Nm of torque and be mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Limited Edition Launched In India At Rs. 7.80 Lakh
The diesel Ertiga Tour version will be the same SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) unit as the 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet diesel engine makes 89 bhp and 200 Nm of peak torque. The Ertiga Tour will likely get ABS and dual Airbags as standard features.