Maruti Ertiga– reliable but not perfect

Pros : Spanking new look, Beautiful and spacious interiors with enough legroom, powerful gen-new engine, safe

Cons : Ertiga not a MUV but a mini MUV, seats just 5 people

Maruti Ertiga follows the same principles that every Maruti car does. It has been launched at an unbelievable price and so there are some obvious issues with this so called LUV-Life Utility Vehicle. Its beige interiors are nice but there is nothing absolutely novel about them anymore. It is projected as a 7 seater MPV but is essentially a 5 seater only. An automatic transmission engine was expected but has not been presented before the buyers. I am aware of the new kind of engine that this MPV is using but as a consumer what matters most to me is how eco-friendly, economical and fuel efficient this engine is. The 1.4L, 1373cc, K series engine of the ZXI variant not only gives a high-end feel to Ertiga but immense power of 95 bhp alongside.  It is powerful and well equipped to give driving pleasure and high satisfaction. The safety features in ZXI are also adequate. There is driver’s and front passenger’s Airbags and Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

But if we are ready to ignore its drawbacks and accept it as it is, Maruti Ertiga emerges as one of the best MPV’s in India. In my opinion, Ertiga ZXI is a thrilling choice as a family car and for all those willing to upgrade their hatchback. It looks modern, contemporary and stylish on outside and is well furnished from inside. The typical Japanese design has managed to make it enough spacious as well. The driver’s seat is also nicely positioned and the controls are within reach.

On the whole, it is one car to rely upon though one may also fuss about some petty issues. With a mileage of around 14 kmpl for this high-end petrol variant, those petty reasons to fuss will also automatically vanish.