In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s automotive market, one vehicle continues to stand out as a beacon of practicality, comfort, and value – the Maruti Ertiga.
As we delve into 2024, this 7-seater marvel has not only maintained its stronghold in the MPV segment but has also raised the bar with its latest iteration.
Let’s take a comprehensive look at what makes the Maruti Ertiga a compelling choice for Indian families and why it’s creating waves in the automotive industry.
A Legacy of Trust
The Maruti Ertiga has been a familiar sight on Indian roads since its introduction in 2012. Over the years, it has carved out a niche for itself, becoming synonymous with family travel.
The 2024 model builds upon this legacy, offering a blend of tradition and modernity that resonates with a wide spectrum of consumers.
Rajesh Kumar, a 42-year-old IT professional from Pune, shares his experience: “I’ve been driving the Ertiga for the past five years, and it’s been nothing short of a family member. The new model? It’s like they took everything we loved and made it even better.”
Design Evolution: Subtle Yet Significant
At first glance, the 2024 Maruti Ertiga might not seem drastically different from its predecessor. However, a closer look reveals thoughtful design updates that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
The front fascia sports a redesigned grille with chrome accents, giving the MPV a more premium look.
The headlamps have been tweaked to incorporate LED daytime running lights, a feature that was much requested by Ertiga enthusiasts. The side profile remains largely unchanged, retaining the sleek lines that have become a signature of the Ertiga design language.
Anita Desai, an automotive design consultant, notes, “What Maruti has done with the Ertiga is quite clever.
They’ve maintained the core design that people love while adding modern touches. It’s evolution, not revolution, and that’s exactly what this segment needs.”
Spacious Interiors: A Home Away From Home
Step inside the 2024 Ertiga, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels both familiar and fresh.
The dashboard layout has been refined, with a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. This system now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a significant upgrade from the previous model.
The seating arrangement continues to be one of the Ertiga’s strongest suits. The second row can slide and recline, offering passengers the flexibility to adjust their space as needed.
The third row, often a cramped afterthought in many 7-seaters, offers surprisingly decent legroom in the Ertiga.
Priya Sharma, a mother of three from Delhi, remarks, “We recently took a road trip to Jaipur in our new Ertiga. The kids had ample space in the back, and there was still room for our luggage. It’s like Maruti really understands what families need.”
Performance and Efficiency: The Heart of the Matter
Under the hood, the 2024 Ertiga continues to be powered by the tried and tested 1.5-liter K15C petrol engine.
This unit now comes with Maruti’s Smart Hybrid technology, which includes an integrated starter generator and a lithium-ion battery pack.
The result is a power output of 103 PS and 137 Nm of torque, delivered with improved fuel efficiency.
Speaking of efficiency, the Ertiga continues to impress with its mileage figures:
- Petrol Manual Transmission: 20.51 kmpl
- Petrol Automatic Transmission: 20.3 kmpl
- CNG Manual Transmission: 26.11 km/kg
These figures make the Ertiga one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, a crucial factor for budget-conscious Indian families.
Vikram Mehta, an automotive journalist, observes, “The Ertiga’s engine might not win any drag races, but it’s perfectly tuned for Indian driving conditions.
It’s got enough pep for city driving and highway cruising, and the fuel efficiency is a big plus.”
Technology and Features: Keeping Up with the Times
The 2024 Ertiga comes loaded with features that were once the domain of more premium vehicles. The aforementioned 9-inch touchscreen is just the tip of the iceberg. Other notable additions include:
- A 360-degree camera system for easy parking
- Ventilated front seats for those scorching summer days
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- Cruise control for comfortable highway driving
Safety features have also seen a significant upgrade. The Ertiga now comes with six airbags as standard across all variants, along with ABS, EBD, and ESP.
The inclusion of ISOFIX child seat anchors makes it a particularly attractive option for young families.
Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The 2024 Maruti Ertiga is available in four main variants:
- LXi (O): Starting at ₹8.69 lakh
- VXi (O): Priced at ₹9.83 lakh
- ZXi (O): Available at ₹10.93 lakh
- ZXi+: The top-end variant at ₹11.63 lakh
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
Additionally, Maruti offers CNG variants in the VXi and ZXi trims, priced at ₹10.78 lakh and ₹11.88 lakh respectively. The automatic transmission option is available in the VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+ variants for an additional ₹1.40 lakh.
This pricing strategy positions the Ertiga as a value proposition in the MPV segment, undercutting many of its rivals while offering a comparable, if not superior, feature set.
The Competition: Standing Tall Among Giants
The MPV segment in India has seen increased activity in recent years, with new entrants trying to capture a slice of the market.
However, the Ertiga continues to hold its ground against competitors like the Kia Carens, Mahindra Marazzo, and even its more premium sibling, the Maruti XL6.
What sets the Ertiga apart is its perfect balance of practicality, efficiency, and affordability. While some rivals may offer more power or more premium features, the Ertiga’s overall package remains hard to beat.
Sanjay Gupta, a car dealer in Mumbai, shares his perspective: “The Ertiga is consistently one of our best-sellers.
People trust the Maruti brand, and the Ertiga delivers on that trust. It’s not trying to be a luxury vehicle; it’s a practical family car that does its job exceptionally well.”
The Road Ahead: Future Prospects
As we look to the future, the Maruti Ertiga seems well-positioned to maintain its dominance in the segment. Rumors are already circulating about potential updates in the pipeline.
Industry insiders suggest that Maruti might be working on a hybrid version of the Ertiga, which could further improve its already impressive fuel efficiency.
There’s also speculation about the possibility of an all-electric Ertiga in the coming years, as Maruti Suzuki ramps up its electric vehicle strategy.
While these are still unconfirmed reports, they indicate the company’s commitment to keeping the Ertiga relevant in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
Maruti Ertiga 7-Seater : A Family Favorite for Good Reason
The 2024 Maruti Ertiga is more than just a vehicle; it’s a testament to Maruti Suzuki’s understanding of the Indian market. It offers a compelling blend of space, efficiency, features, and value that resonates with a wide range of consumers.
From large families to weekend adventurers, from daily commuters to taxi fleet operators, the Ertiga caters to diverse needs with aplomb. Its continued success in a competitive market is a clear indicator of its relevance and appeal.
As we navigate through 2024, the Maruti Ertiga stands as a beacon of practical mobility, proving that sometimes, the best solution is one that simply gets the job done, and does it well.
In the world of flashy SUVs and high-tech EVs, the Ertiga reminds us that there’s still immense value in a well-designed, efficient, and family-friendly vehicle.
Whether you’re planning your next family road trip, looking for a comfortable daily driver, or simply in need of a versatile vehicle that won’t break the bank, the 2024 Maruti Ertiga deserves a spot on your consideration list.
It may not be the most exciting vehicle on the road, but for thousands of Indian families, it’s exactly what they need – and that, perhaps, is its greatest strength.