Maruti Ertiga: The crowded segments of India’s automotive market, few vehicles have managed to carve out such a clear identity as the Maruti Ertiga.
Neither as compact as a hatchback nor as unwieldy as a full-size MPV, the Ertiga occupies that sweet spot that appeals to growing families and practical-minded buyers alike.
Having recently spent two weeks with the latest iteration of this popular people-mover, navigating everything from Mumbai’s congested streets.
winding highways of Maharashtra, I’ve gained fresh appreciation for why this vehicle continues to dominate its category despite increasingly fierce competition.
Design: Practical Elegance
The Ertiga has evolved significantly from the somewhat conservative design of its first generation. The current model presents a more assertive face with its sharp-edged chrome grille flanked by projector headlamps that sweep back into the fenders.
The profile reveals a character line that rises gradually toward the rear, cleverly disguising the vehicle’s inherent boxiness while creating a more dynamic visual impression.
At the rear, L-shaped tail lamps connected by a chrome strip add a touch of sophistication, while the gently sloping tailgate strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and practical loading convenience.
The 15-inch alloy wheels (on higher variants) fill the arches adequately, though some might wish for 16-inch options for improved visual proportion.
What’s particularly impressive is how Maruti’s designers have maximized interior volume while keeping the exterior dimensions manageable. At 4,395mm long.
1,735mm wide, and 1,690mm tall, the Ertiga remains compact enough for urban maneuverability yet spacious enough inside to accommodate seven adults in reasonable comfort – a packaging triumph that many competitors struggle to match.
Interior: Space Utilization Mastery
Step inside the Ertiga, and the thoughtful space management becomes immediately apparent. The dashboard adopts a horizontal orientation that enhances the perception of width with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system positioned high for easy visibility.
The dual-tone treatment with wooden inserts on premium variants adds warmth to what could otherwise feel utilitarian, while the matte-finished surfaces resist fingerprints better than the piano black that has become ubiquitous in many competitors.
The front seats offer good support with adequate under-thigh cushioning for longer journeys, though taller drivers might wish for slightly longer seat bases.
The second row demonstrates the Ertiga’s family-focused design philosophy with a comfortable bench that slides and reclines, allowing passengers to negotiate legroom with third-row occupants based on needs.
The wide door openings and optimized step-in height make entry and exit remarkably convenient for older family members – a thoughtful touch often overlooked in vehicle design.
Perhaps most impressive is the third row, which defies the “punishment seats” stereotype common in this segment. While adults above six feet might find headroom tight.
average-sized Indians can sit here comfortably for journeys of an hour or more – something rarely achievable in vehicles without much larger footprints.
The almost vertical backrest isn’t ideal for long trips, but the positioned floor height prevents the knees-up posture that makes many third rows unbearable.
Practical touches abound throughout the cabin, from the multiple storage compartments (including bottle holders in all door pockets) to the thoughtfully positioned USB charging ports for second and third-row passengers.
The air conditioning system deserves special mention, with roof-mounted vents for rear occupants providing effective cooling even in scorching summer conditions – crucial for family comfort in Indian weather.
Powertrain: Efficient Versatility
Under the hood, the Ertiga offers two powertrain options that reflect Maruti’s understanding of its diverse customer base. The mainstay remains.
the 1.5-liter K15B naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 103 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque – figures that strike a sensible balance between performance and efficiency.
This engine comes paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic, the latter feeling somewhat dated in an era of 6+ speed gearboxes but delivering smooth, predictable shifts well-suited to urban driving.
The manual transmission deserves praise for its light clutch action and precise shift quality, making the Ertiga surprisingly effortless to drive in stop-and-go traffic.
During our testing, the petrol manual returned approximately 14.5 km/l in mixed driving conditions – respectable efficiency for a seven-seater in real-world use.
For those prioritizing economy, the factory-fitted CNG variant offers compelling running costs with its 26.08 km/kg efficiency, though this comes with reduced luggage space when all seats are occupied due to the tank placement.
The slight power reduction (91 horsepower in CNG mode) is noticeable but rarely problematic in everyday driving, with the cost savings potentially outweighing the performance compromise for many budget-conscious families.
Both powertrains benefit from Maruti’s mild hybrid system, which provides torque assist during acceleration, enables start-stop functionality, and recovers energy during deceleration.
While not as sophisticated as full hybrid systems, this setup contributes meaningful efficiency improvements with minimal complexity or maintenance concerns.
Driving Dynamics: Composed and Comfortable
Nobody expects an MPV to handle like a sports car, and the Ertiga wisely prioritizes ride comfort and stability over cornering prowess.
The suspension – MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear – delivers a well-judged balance between compliance over rough surfaces and body control during directional changes.
During our extensive testing, the Ertiga impressed with its ability to absorb Mumbai’s notorious road imperfections without transmitting harshness to occupants, yet remain sufficiently composed when pushed harder on the sweeping curves of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
The 185/65 R15 tires prioritize comfort and longevity over outright grip, though they provide adequate traction in most conditions encountered during family duties.
The steering deserves particular praise for its natural weighting that builds progressively with speed. Light enough for effortless parking maneuvers yet sufficiently direct at highway velocities.
it contributes significantly to driver confidence without causing fatigue during longer journeys. The turning radius of 5.2 meters, while not class-leading, enables reasonable maneuverability in tight urban environments.
Braking performance comes via ventilated front discs and rear drums – a common configuration in this segment that provides adequate stopping power for normal driving conditions. The pedal feel is progressive and intuitive, allowing for smooth deceleration without the abruptness that can discomfort passengers.
Features and Technology: Thoughtfully Equipped
The Ertiga’s equipment list reflects Maruti’s pragmatic approach to feature selection, focusing on items that deliver genuine value rather than headline-grabbing but rarely-used technology.
The SmartPlay Studio infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, enabling seamless smartphone integration without cable clutter. The six-speaker audio setup delivers respectable sound quality, though audiophiles might seek aftermarket upgrades.
Automatic climate control with dedicated rear vents ensures comfort throughout the cabin, while keyless entry and push-button start eliminate fumbling for keys when hands are full of shopping bags or children’s accessories.
Higher variants add welcome conveniences like auto-folding mirrors, height-adjustable driver’s seat, and a reverse parking camera with guidelines – features that genuinely enhance the ownership experience rather than serving as mere marketing checkboxes.
Safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard across the range, with side and curtain airbags available on top trims.
While some competitors offer more advanced driver assistance systems, the Ertiga’s safety package covers the essentials that matter most for family protection.
Practicality: The Everyday Champion
Where the Ertiga truly excels is in the thoughtful practicality that permeates every aspect of its design. The flexible seating configurations allow for various arrangements depending on passenger and cargo needs.
With all seats up, the 209-liter boot can accommodate a modest weekend’s luggage, while folding the third row expands this to 550 liters – sufficient for family vacations.
For occasional transport needs, the second row can also fold, creating a cavernous 803-liter space capable of swallowing furniture pieces or adventure gear.
The relatively low loading lip makes placing heavy items easier than in many SUVs, while the wide-opening tailgate provides excellent access to the cargo area.
Thoughtful touches like the multiple hooks for shopping bags and the 12V power outlet in the boot enhance everyday usability in ways that become increasingly appreciated over years of ownership.
Conclusion: The Rational Choice
The Maruti Ertiga doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or aggressive styling to make its case. Instead, it delivers exactly what family-oriented buyers need most: space, comfort, efficiency, and reliability in a sensibly-priced package.
Its continued sales success despite newer competitors speaks to Maruti Suzuki’s deep understanding of Indian family requirements and budget considerations.
For growing families, small businesses requiring occasional passenger transport, or even joint families seeking affordable mobility, the Ertiga represents perhaps the most rational choice in the Indian market.
It may not turn heads like some style-focused SUVs, but its blend of practicality, efficiency, and Maruti’s legendary service network creates a compelling overall proposition that’s difficult to fault on objective criteria.
In a market increasingly driven by emotion and status signaling, the Ertiga stands as a refreshingly sensible option for those who prioritize function over fashion – and its enduring popularity proves that rational decision-making remains alive and well among Indian car buyers.