Expecting a huge rush during Diwali 2018, Maruti Suzuki has reportedly decided to postpone the launch of new Ertiga. They want to focus on making sure delivery of their current cars, which thousands are waiting for, are delivered at the earliest. Launching Ertiga now would add to waiting periods, so it was best to postpone the launch to post Diwali, sometime in the second half of November 2018.
2018 Maruti Ertiga will have several new features and an upgrade of the petrol engine as well. Exteriors have also been revamped to make it look more muscular and stylish. Ertiga’s upgrade is a priority task for Maruti Suzuki, as its primary rivals Toyota and Mahindra have already launched the new Innova Crysta and Marazzo respectively.
Ertiga hasn’t been revamped since its launch in 2012, which makes the upgrade crucial to survive the intense competition. Second generation Ertiga has already been launched in the international market by Suzuki. Indian variant will have most of the features that’s there in the international version. It will be sold through the standard Arena network and not through the premium Nexa dealerships, as was reported earlier. It will continue to target fleet operators and sport the ‘Tour’ badge.
Exteriors of 2018 Ertiga have been redesigned to give it a beefier profile that looks quite like Innova. However, its overall size is smaller, as compared to Innova. There’s a new chrome grille, redesigned headlamps, electrically adjustable ORVMs, floating roof design, LED tail lamps, L-shaped split tail light cluster at the rear, revised bumper, and new alloy wheels. The interiors feature dual tone beige and black upholstery, which looks classy and elegant.
New Ertiga gets a host of premium features such as keyless entry, automatic climate control, engine start/stop button, and SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Bluetooth connectivity. Security features include dual front air bags, ABS with EBD, speed alert system, speed-sensing auto door lock, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child-seat mounts.
2018 Maruti Ertiga petrol variant will have the K series 1.5 litre engine mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The petrol engine delivers max power of 103 bhp at 6,000 RPM and max torque of 138 Nm at 4,400 RPM. New Ertiga’s diesel variant will have the same D13A 1.3-litre turbocharged engine that delivers max power of 90 PS and max torque of 200 Nm. The diesel engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It will be later replaced with a new 1.5-litre diesel engine that is currently being tested.
2018 Maruti Ertiga will be marketed as a premium variant, so it’s likely to be pricier than the existing Ertiga. Expect a bump in the price in the range of Rs 50k to Rs 1 lakh. New prices could range from Rs 7.5 – 12 lakhs.
