2018 Maruti Ertiga: 5 Features We Like & 5 We Miss

The Maruti Ertiga has made a blockbuster entry in the market. With prices starting from Rs 7.44 lakh and going up to Rs 10.9 lakh, ex-showroom, for the ZDi+ diesel, the 2018 Ertiga undercuts its prime rivals like the Renault Lodgy and the Honda BR-V. Yet, Maruti has managed to plonk in a majority of the comfort and convenience features out there in the market. But, look with a sceptic eye (part and parcel of our job) and you will see that there have been some misses in order to get that pricing correct. Here are the 5 features of the all-new Maruti Ertiga that we like and the 5 which we wish were a part of the package.

Bang On!

1. Projector headlamps as standard

While Maruti has decided to not offer LED headlamps in the Ertiga (offered in less expensive cars like the Dzire and Ignis), they did make up for it by providing projector headlamps as standard. Not only do these look more premium, but projector lenses help focus the beam better, providing better night visibility. Also, in keeping with the upcoming vehicle safety regulations in India, the Ertiga so has rear parking sensors as standard.

2. Climate control

Missing from the outgoing model, Maruti did equip the 2018 Eriga with automatic climate control. Coupled with roof-mounted second row AC vents, getting through the summers should now be a breeze.

3. 3rd-row reclinable seats

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In this edition of the Ertiga, you now have more room in the third-row seats thanks to the larger overall dimensions(99mm longer, 40mm wider and 5mm taller). Further improving the comfort of the last row passengers is the reclinable seats. Yes, the Ertiga now gets a 50:50 split third row with can be individually reclined for the passenger's convenience.

4. Cooled cup holders

While you have the climate control keeping you cool, your (soft)drinks are being cooled in the cup holders. The two cup holders in the centre console of the all-new Ertiga get their own 'AC vents' which keep the bottles/cups kept there cool.

5. Detailed MID

The 2018 Maruti Ertiga gets its driver information display from the flagship Baleno. The 4.2-inch TFT-multifunction colour display displays various vehicle information like door opening, fuel consumption, trip, clock and live pie charts for the power and torque usage, all with cool graphics.

MIA

1. Captain seats

Since the new Ertiga is supposed to be a people carrier targeted towards people with an extended family, Maruti could have incorporated captain seats for the second row to up the premium factor. Not only are they more comfortable, they open up space for more knick-knack storage as well. And even with the captain seats, the Ertiga would have had space to seat 5 occupants. For instance, the Renault Lodgy Stepway offers captain seats which are very comfortable.

2. 3rd row AC vents

While the Maruti MPV does offer a third row, the occupants they won't have their own AC vents. The Ertiga gets second-row roof-mounted AC vents, but do not get vents for the third row. On a hot day, this could become a bit of a bother for the souls sitting in the last row.

3. Diesel AMT

The Maruti Ertiga is now available with a 1.5-litre petrol mill, which comes coupled with a 5-speed manual, and an optional 4-speed automatic gearbox. But the diesel engine here is still the old-school, tried and tested 1.3-litre DDiS200 mill which is paired with the 5-speed manual. While Maruti does offer an AMT transmission with this engine in the Vitara Brezza, here the manufacturer has plonked in SHVS hybrid tech. As a result, the claimed efficiency has gone up to 25.47kmpl! Sill, we are a greedy species and wish there was an AMT on offer here as well.

4. LED DRLs

LED DRLs have become quite a common feature amongst all segments of cars. These tiny array of lights improves the visibility of the vehicle to others and at the same time gives the car some visual attitude as well. But Maruti has decided against providing DRLs at all. You will have to make do with just fog lamps, apart from the headlamps of course.

5. Some small but important convenience features

Maruti has a habit of skimming on the smaller convenience features which are a big boon in everyday driving. For example, the Ertiga does not get automatic wipers, automatic headlamps, auto-dimming IRVM, tilt-adjustable steering and one-touch up/down power windows. And just because we are nitpicking a bit, cruise control.

These are the features that we appreciate and miss in the all-new Ertiga. What's your take? If there something you wanted in the Ertiga and isn’t on our list? Do let us know in the comments below.