2019 Maruti Ertiga - First Drive Review

Introduction

The Maruti Ertiga is the only MPV in its company's vast product portfolio. The Ertiga nameplate was first introduced in the Indian market in 2012 and quickly shot to fame. It has been one of the most popular models in its price segment for over six consecutive years now, which alone shows the great demand for this small MPV. In November last year, Maruti Suzuki launched the second-gen Ertiga to replace the fast-ageing first-gen model in the Indian car market. On sale in a price range of Rs 7.45 lakh, the all-new MPV is underpinned by the company's lightweight HEARTECT platform, which also underpins the Baleno, Swift, Dzire and the new-gen WagonR. The second-gen model is bigger, has a more plush interior and even looks more modern. Engine options for the second-gen MPV include the same tried-and-tested D13A 1.3-litre turbocharged diesel motor and a new K15B 1.5-litre petrol engine. Both the engines come equipped with the company's SHVS mild-hybrid technology. Thanks to the usage of the lightweight platform, the new Ertiga offers remarkably stronger performance and higher fuel efficiency. 

Styling and looks

So, dimensionally, the 2019 Maruti Ertiga is 99 mm longer, 40 mm wider, and 5 mm taller than its predecessor. The car gets a contemporary design language that makes the all-new MPV look fresher and more upmarket than the outgoing version. Up front, the car employs a pair of sleek headlamps that carry projector units along with fog lamps which are fitted in a well-chiselled bumper.

The side profile of the new-gen Ertiga looks quite identical to that of the previous-gen model. The huge greenhouse, particularly the extra-long rear window, is quick to remind you of the predecessor. The new multi-spoke alloy wheels look stylish but would be difficult to clean. The blacked-out A and B pillars along with floating-type roof design look quite upmarket, while the large greenhouse translates into an airy interior. The rear-end also looks more sophisticated than before as it gets L-shaped LED taillights and a well-sculpted tailgate. So, in terms of looks and styling, the new-gen Ertiga looks more special than the car it replaces but does remind you of its predecessor when viewed from certain angles. The MPV misses out a feature like LED DRLs, which many of us expect from a car that is on sale in this price bracket.

The 2019 Maruti Ertiga gets a contemporary design language that makes the all-new MPV look fresher and more upmarket than the outgoing version. 

Interior and Features

On the inside, the 2019 Maruti Ertiga looks premium and feels quite spacious. Parts like steering wheel, Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system, and many buttons and knobs may remind you of other models in the company's lineup, including the Swift and the Dzire. The faux air-vents running across the breadth of the dashboard seem to ha be been, inspired by Audi cars and look unique in a model in this price segment. Moreover, the faux wood inserts on the dashboard, door panels and steering wheel increase the premium quotient of the car. The front seats provide a sufficient amount of under-thigh and side support to make long rides much more comfortable and effortless. The sliding front armrest makes things even better, but the tiny storage compartment under it won't hold anything more than some toll receipts or loose change. The good thing is the storage compartment below the USB port can easily hold a large-size smartphone. The car also features cooled cupholders, side pockets that can hold a 1-litre bottle each and a 12V DC charging socket in each row.

The middle row of the 2019 Maruti Ertiga feels considerably more spacious than the previous version. What's more, the users can easily move seats for easy access to the third row of seats. Unlike the 2012 Ertiga, which offered a restricted space in the third row of seats, the new model has sufficient real estate to accommodate two adults comfortably over short journeys. The passengers also get an option to recline their seats, while the cooling function in 2nd and 3rd row is done by roof-mounted aircon vents. The all-new Ertiga offers 209-litres of luggage space, which can hold two medium sized bags. After folding down the third and second rows of seats, you can even benefit from a massive 803-litre of boot space.

On the inside, the new-gen Ertiga looks premium and feels quite spacious as it comes loaded with all the bells and whistles.

Engine and performance

The 2019 Maruti Ertiga gets its power from a new K15B 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine instead of the K14B 1.4-litre motor that powers the previous generation model. The new motor is significantly more powerful than the previous motor and goes on to produce maximum power and peak torque outputs of 104.5 PS and 138 Nm, respectively. The new petrol mill is lively in the low- and mid-range engine speeds. However, one may feel a lack of power post 4,800 rpm, with the power flood reducing off and the engine getting a bit too vocal without producing a strong top-end performance to complement the increase in sound. The motor is capable of spinning till 6,200 rpm, but overtaking at high-speed moving traffic often requires a gearshift for an instant surge in power.

The transmission options include a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic units. The transmission is a smooth shifting unit and offers a light clutch, but the 4-speed torque-converter automatic is not the best of the performers. The gearbox also offers a button on the side of the gear knob for the 'Overdrive Off' mode, which holds the transmission in the first three gears only. A driver can also keep the vehicle in the lowest gear by selecting the 'Low' mode. The '2' mode keeps the second gear involved. The new petrol motor is quite smooth and refined. The most impressive thing about this new petrol mill, in spite of an improvement in the displacement and the performance numbers, is that the more potent motor is even more fuel efficient than the engine it replaces. The reason behind the wonderful fuel-efficient figures is the lower kerb weight and the dual-battery SHVS technology. The new-gen Maruti Ertiga is fuel-efficient enough to provide a mileage of 19.34 km/l with the 5-speed manual transmission and 18.69 km/l with the 4-speed automatic unit.

The new 1.5-litre petrol motor of the 2019 Maruti Ertiga is smoother and more refined than the 1.4-litre unit of its predecessor. 

The D13A 1.3-litre diesel engine, which has been carried over from the previous version, remains unchanged. There is a pronounced lag below 1,800 RPM, followed by a jack-hammer boost, which is something that will be appreciated by some. The motor is adequately refined for a diesel mill and the 200 Nm of peak torque is sufficient to easily propel this MPV to high triple-digit speed figures. The NVH is also better controlled than before and the new MPV ends up managing to offer a more premium drive experience than the previous version. The 5-speed manual gearbox continues to offer slick and well-defined shifts. There is also a new E15A 1.5-litre diesel engine that benefits from the dual-mass flywheel technology and comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It offers a rather punchy performance and even has lower NVH than the 1.3-litre unit. It misses out on SHVS but is only somewhat less fuel efficient than the 1.3-litre motor. What's more, the new diesel engine, unlike the Fiat-origin 1.3-litre unit, is BSVI-ready, which means that it will eventually entirely replace the smaller oil-burner. However, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd recently revealed that it plans to axe all its diesel engine-equipped models by April 2020, which means the new 1.5-litre diesel unit would lead a pretty short life. 

Comfort and Convenience

Based on the all-new HEARTECT architecture, the new-gen Maruti Ertiga offers a perfect blend of high ride quality and decent handling characteristics. We drove the all-new Ertiga over various broken patches, and none of the travellers complained of the jerks transferring into the cabin. The steering wheel feels quite light, which is a good thing at parking speeds and even when making your way through a jam-packed street. You may feel a slight body roll while changing lanes at high speeds, but things never get scary. Moreover, the new model feels more planted as compared to the previous-gen Ertiga. The 185/65 R15-spec Bridgestone Ecopia tires provide an adequate amount of road grip. The brakes are powerful enough to bring MPV at halt without any drama.

2019 Maruti Ertiga Specifications

Verdict

Priced at Rs 7.44 lakh to Rs 10.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the second-gen Maruti Ertiga is almost a lakh costlier than its predecessor. The new car looks fresh and offers an upmarket cabin. The new 1.5-litre petrol motor is more refined, powerful and even more fuel-efficient than the 1.4-litre engine of the previous model. Furthermore, usage of HEARTECT platform has led to an improvement in the ride quality as well as the handling characteristics.

2019 Maruti Ertiga Prices