It’s been a long time coming, but the all-new Suzuki Ertiga has finally been launched at the 2018 Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS). The budget seven-seater MPV has been redesigned from the ground up, riding on a new chassis and powered by a new, more powerful engine.
Moving onto the new Heartect platform introduced on the latest Swift, the new Ertiga’s body is said to be lighter and more rigid than before, improving performance and handling. The MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension has been retained for this model.
The Euro 4-compliant K15B 1.5 litre VVT naturally-aspirated petrol engine is an enlarged version of the outgoing 1.4 litre unit, making 108 PS at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm – an increase of 16 PS and 8 Nm. As before, buyers get a choice of either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, and fuel consumption is rated at 18 km per litre with the manual and 16.7 km per litre with the automatic.
Measuring 4,395 mm long, 1,735 mm wide and 1,690 mm tall, the new model is 130 mm longer, 40 mm wider and five millimetres taller than its predecessor, but the 2,740 mm wheelbase is unchanged. Boot space is 153 litres (up 18 litres from before) with all seats up, expandable to 550 litres (up 50 litres) with the third-row seats folded and 803 litres (up 68 litres) with all rear seats down.
Distancing itself from the organic streamlined original, the new Ertiga features a more angular design that incorporates trapezoidal projector headlights and a new six-point grille. The front bumper is also sportier, with more complex sculpting and C-shaped borders that frame the triple air intakes.
As on the Swift, the blacked-out D-pillars give it a “floating roof” look, emphasised by the L-shaped tail lights. New multi-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels complete the look, and the range-topping GX models receive front fog lights, power-adjustable wing mirrors with integrated indicators and LED combination tail lights.
Contrary to previous reports, the new Ertiga does not receive the Swift-derived dashboard from the India-only Dzire sedan. Instead, the people-mover gets its own design with horizontal lines and a floating infotainment system. The flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel has been carried over from the Swift, and the front seats feature a two-tone beige and brown design.
Notable features include 12-volt front and rear power outlets, USB and auxiliary inputs, 60:40 split-folding second-row seats and a 50:50-split third row, tilt-adjustable steering, a new instrument cluster design with a multi-info display, four speakers and rear parking sensors.
The GX models, meanwhile, adds wood trim, a wood-and-leather multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry, push-button start, a seat height adjuster, ventilated front cupholders and a 6.8-inch touchscreen head unit with Bluetooth connectivity. Unlike a number of other new MPVs on the market, the Ertiga is still only available with dual airbags, although the GX ESP model gains stability control on top of standard-fit ABS.
The original Suzuki Ertiga was rebadged in Malaysia as the Proton Ertiga, opening up a new, entry-level market segment for the national carmaker. Such a deal is unlikely to happen this time around, however, now that Proton is now part-owned by Geely.
