The New Maruti Ertiga 2018 will launch on November 21 and will become a director competitor to the Mahindra Marazzo
Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the second generation of its popular MPV this month. The highly awaited new Maruti Ertiga will launch on 21 November and lock horns with the Mahindra Marazzo. It will be larger than the current version and will have a more premium design that will remind you of certain Volvo models from certain angles.
The new Maruti Ertiga will continue to be a 7-seater but will offer a higher cabin space. However, its wheelbase, at 2,750 mm, remains identical. The extra space will be owing to a larger overhang, which should lead to a higher space for the passengers in the third row.
Underpinning the new Maruti Ertiga is the Heartect platform, which will be shared with the Baleno, Swift, Dzire, and Ignis. The lightweight platform should benefit the new model with improved structural rigidity whilst maintaining a low kerb weight.
While the new Maruti Ertiga will launch with the same diesel engine that powers the current model, the 1.4-litre K-series engine from the current model will be replaced with a new 1.5-litre K-series motor that made its debut on the Maruti Ciaz facelift. It will produce a maximum power of 105 PS along with a peak torque of 138 Nm. In comparison, the outgoing petrol engine offers 94 PS and 130 Nm.
The diesel engine will continue to produce a maximum power of 90 PS along with a peak torque of 200 Nm. It will come mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The petrol engine, on the other hand, will be available with two transmission options – a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Both the engine variants will feature the second generation of company’s SHVS mild-hybrid technology.
The new Maruti Ertiga will be costlier than the current version. Its prices should start at roughly Rs 7 lakh and go all the way to Rs 11.5 lakh. At this price point, it will be positioned in the Mahindra Marazzo territory. However, the new MPV should be able to ward off the competition from the Mahindra model owing to more car-like characteristics and the legacy of the current Ertiga.