The new Ertiga looks as if it could be a cross between a Maruti Swift and a Toyota Innova. Maruti, that has been so successful in stretching several earlier platforms, has now entered a completely new segment of utility vehicles with a very well designed multipurpose vehicle that combines good looks, excellent road performance and spacious inner space. Maruti had added a boot to a stretched Swift hatchback platform to make the DeZire saloon.
It has now filled up the space above the boot to make room for another row of comfortable seats to make the Ertiga LUV. They have called this Light Utility Vehicle a Life Utility Vehicle as they are targeting large young families rather than commercial users. Maruti who have a commanding presence in the passenger car and van segments will now enter the rapidly growing utility vehicle segment with this multi purpose vehicle that can seat seven people but offer the driving pleasures of a comfortable passenger car.
On a test drive on the excellent winding road between Goa and Karwar we were impressed by the performance of the design of this ‘LUV’ that is propelled by the same peppy and economical 1373 cc 95HP petrol and 1248 cc 90 HP diesel engines that propel the Swift and DeZire.
The acceleration, ride and handling were good for a tallish vehicle and power seemed quite adequate to handle largish loads. In looks it clearly had the Swift DNA. Though it was a bit narrow to comfortably seat three people side by side on the second row it would be perfect for a large family.
The last row was surprisingly spacious and can be folded flat with flexi seating to accommodate a lot of baggage. Access to this last row is quite easy as the second row split seats fold down easily. Many Swift and DeZire elements are carried over into the tasteful interiors with a sporty dashboard and all the sound and other gadjets that young buyers now want. There are plenty of storage pockets, mobile and cup holders as well as a roof AC unit to keep the rear passengers in comfort. Baggage space behind the third row is small and Maruti plans to offer a chic roof rack for large families with mountains of luggage.
Eric D’Souza and his family who were staying at the Karwar hotel, where we stopped for breakfast, asked me to take them for a short ride. He made me stop after a short distance and take a turn on to a rougher road up a hill and was impressed by the ride over potholes and its effortless climbing ability. He wanted to know the price and we had to tell his that this would be announced soon at the formal launch. Expect prices in a range between `7 and 9 lakhs.
The writer is an automotive expert and the former editor of a national auto magazine