Suzuki has finally taken the cover off the Ertiga facelift at the 2015 Gaikindo Indonesia International auto show (GIIAS). Labeled as LUV (light utility vehicle), the new Ertiga gets an array of aesthetic changes with some minor alteration in the engines. Expected to launch in October, it rivals against the like of Honda Mobilio, segment leader Toyota Innova and Renault Lodgy. Suzuki is also planning SHVS (smart hybrid vehicle by Suzuki) version of Ertiga which might make it the most fuel efficient MPV in India.
Talking about the changes, the front of new Ertiga gets a triple slat grille with chrome smacked on it and restyled bumper. The radiator grille which houses smaller air dam takes some inspiration from Mobilio with integrated fog lamps encircled by chrome bezels and the side profile remains same except for the newly designed alloy wheels.
Coming to the rear end of new Suzuki Ertiga which swank additional chrome touch in the form of thick chrome bar runs between the tail lights. Maruti Suzuki has put in the additional reflectors alongside the unaltered tail lights and also gets rear parking sensors. Overall, company seems to have added some minor flavors rather than making it a completely new MPV.
The interior outline of Ertiga facelift remains similar except for the few changes like inclusion of dark brown shade in several parts of cabin like on steering wheel and gear knob. In addition, the facelifted comes with 50:50 third row seats, new upholstery, start/stop button, electric folding wing mirrors, dual airbags, 12V power socket, driver side power window up controls and ABS (anti-lock braking system). The company also claims to improve the NVH levels of the vehicle.
Exclusively for Indian market, the carmaker might bring Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, new upholstery; new trim colors along with an AMT (automated manual transmission).
Under the hood of Ertiga facelift will be same 1.2l VTVT petrol and 1.3L DDis diesel engines. The former has been tuned to produce 91.73bhp power down by 2bhp while delivering the same 130Nm of max torque. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and four speed automatic transmissions. The 1.3l DDIs diesel engine is also expected to undergo some minor alterations in order to deliver better fuel efficiency as company did with Swift.
Maruti Suzuki will bump up the prices of facelift Ertiga and might introduce a new top end variant as well.
