Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: A Budget-Friendly MPV with Premium Features for Indian Families
The Indian car market has always loved practical, spacious, and reliable vehicles. And when it comes to family cars that offer comfort without burning a hole in the pocket, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is often the first name that comes to mind. It’s an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) that brings together affordability, smart features, and a spacious cabin—all in one package.
Over the years, the Ertiga has earned its place in Indian homes. Whether it’s a daily commute, a family road trip, or even being used as a cab, the Ertiga fits every role. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind its popularity and what makes it a budget-friendly MPV with premium touches for Indian families.
Overview Table
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Segment | MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) |
| Engine Options | 1.5L Petrol / 1.5L CNG |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
| Seating Capacity | 7 Seater |
| Mileage (Petrol) | 19.01 kmpl (Manual) / 17.99 kmpl (Auto) |
| Mileage (CNG) | 26.11 km/kg |
| Infotainment System | 7-inch SmartPlay Pro Touchscreen |
| Safety Features | Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, Hill Hold |
| Price Range (Ex-showroom) | ₹8.69 Lakh – ₹13.03 Lakh |
Design & Style
The Ertiga may not look flashy at first glance, but it carries a clean and elegant design that suits Indian tastes. Its wide chrome grille, projector headlamps, and neatly shaped tail lamps add a premium look to its appearance. The body lines are smooth, and the MPV has a well-balanced proportion for a seven-seater.
The alloy wheels, roof-mounted antenna, and integrated spoiler in higher variants bring a slight sporty touch. While the design is not overly aggressive, it’s the kind of look that stays fresh over the years.
Inside, the cabin feels light and spacious. The dual-tone dashboard, faux wood inserts, and silver accents give it an upscale touch. The overall layout is neat and user-friendly, which is exactly what Indian families prefer.
Engine & Performance
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is powered by a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine that delivers a smooth driving experience. It produces 102 bhp and 136.8 Nm of torque, which is sufficient for both city and highway drives. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
There is also a factory-fitted CNG option for those who want more fuel savings. While the performance in CNG mode is slightly lower, it’s still good for daily use.
The engine uses Smart Hybrid technology that assists in better fuel efficiency and smoother gear shifts. Overall, the Ertiga doesn’t aim to be sporty—it’s designed for smooth, easy, and reliable driving.
Space & Comfort
Space is one of the biggest strengths of the Ertiga. It offers three rows of seats and enough legroom for passengers in all rows. The second row comes with sliding and reclining seats, making it easier for people to adjust their comfort. The third row, while best suited for kids or short trips for adults, is still usable.
The boot space is small with all rows up, but once you fold the third row, it becomes quite practical. There are also multiple cup holders, bottle holders, and storage areas throughout the cabin.
The air conditioning system is powerful and even comes with rear AC vents to keep all passengers cool during hot Indian summers. The seats are well-cushioned, and the driving position is upright with good visibility.
Features & Technology
Despite being a budget-friendly MPV, the Ertiga does not miss out on premium features. It comes with a 7-inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen system that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and voice commands. There’s also a reverse parking camera, steering-mounted controls, and push-button start/stop.
In higher variants, you’ll also find automatic climate control, cruise control, and connected car features like remote operations through the Suzuki Connect app. While the Ertiga does not overload you with tech, it covers all the essential and useful features needed for everyday use.
Safety & Reliability
Maruti Suzuki has improved its safety game with the Ertiga. It includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, and a high-speed alert system as standard across all variants.
The higher trims offer features like Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Assist, especially useful for driving in hilly areas or with a full load of passengers.
Being a Maruti car, the Ertiga also scores high in reliability. The service network is vast, spare parts are affordable, and maintenance is budget-friendly. This peace of mind is one of the key reasons Indian buyers choose Ertiga over its rivals.
Fuel Efficiency & Practicality
The Ertiga delivers very good mileage for a 7-seater. The petrol manual variant gives up to 19.01 kmpl, while the automatic version delivers about 17.99 kmpl. But the real winner is the CNG variant, offering a mileage of around 26.11 km/kg, making it one of the most economical MPVs in India.
This makes Ertiga ideal for large families, business owners, or even cab operators who want to save on running costs without compromising on comfort or space.
Pricing & Variants
The Ertiga is available in four main variants—LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+. The pricing starts at ₹8.69 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹13.03 lakh for the top variant. CNG options are available in VXi and ZXi trims.
This competitive pricing makes Ertiga a solid value-for-money option, especially when compared to more expensive MPVs and SUVs in the market. You get the trust of Maruti, plenty of features, and enough space for a big family—all under budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga suitable for large families?
Yes, the Ertiga is a 7-seater MPV and is perfect for medium to large families with its spacious cabin and comfortable seats.
Q2: Does Ertiga have a CNG option?
Yes, the Ertiga comes with a factory-fitted CNG option in VXi and ZXi variants, offering great mileage and low running cost.
Q3: What is the fuel efficiency of the Ertiga CNG model?
The Ertiga CNG variant offers a mileage of around 26.11 km/kg, making it highly economical for daily use.
Q4: Is the Ertiga good for long drives?
Absolutely. With its comfortable seats, rear AC vents, and reliable engine, the Ertiga is ideal for long road trips with family.
Q5: What are the major features in the Ertiga top variant?
The top variant (ZXi+) includes a touchscreen infotainment system, auto climate control, reverse camera, ESP, cruise control, push-button start, and alloy wheels.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a complete family package. It may not be the flashiest MPV out there, but it delivers where it truly matters—space, mileage, comfort, and low maintenance. Its premium features in a budget-friendly price tag make it a practical and smart choice for Indian families.
Whether you live in a city or a small town, if you’re looking for a reliable 7-seater that won’t stretch your budget, the Ertiga continues to be one of the best picks in the Indian market.