The second generation Ertiga was launched in India on 21 November 2018. Its first version was launched on 12 April 2012 and it was a big hit in the market offering 7 seater cars in the budget segment. The name "Ertiga" is an adaptation of "R-Tiga" where "Tiga" means "three" in Indonesian, while "R" stands for "row". Therefore, the name is derived from "R3" which in turn means "three-row(MPV)"
In December 2019, I have bought the Ertiga ZXI model(petrol -magma grey color) at a price of Rs. 10.32 lakhs(exclusive of accessories). The accessories price was Rs. 13, 000/- which included of foot mats, car seat cover, divinity, perfume, steering cover and number plate cover/protector. I opted out because the same are available in the market at a much cheaper price. Although, I spent Rs. 40, 000/- for accessories at Karol Bagh, New Delhi. I will also come back to this point later in my review with a few suggestions.
Before Maruti, I was having Verna 2012(diesel) which I drove around 1 lakh 20 thousand km. Being a diesel vehicle model, the life of the vehicle is fixed in Delhi/NCR i.e. 10 years. Hence I decided to sell the vehicle before its selling price will come lower as compared to its current value. Also, I was the second owner of the Verna car which was adding fuel to fire for bringing down its selling price.
So, Why I chose Ertiga:
1.Family size: 7 members(5 adults and 2 kids). Verna was spacious but not enough to accommodate 7 persons.
2.Low Maintenance: During the maintenance of the Verna, I had noticed that the price of Maruti Suzuki’s parts is comparatively cheaper. The margin was as high as Rs. 4, 000 - Rs.5, 000. But yes, the Maruti Suzuki’s body is also lighter as compared to Hyundai, which is a minus point for Maruti.
3.Budget: My budget was limited to 9 - 9.5 lakhs. Considering the above two points, Ertiga was best or the only option which I had.
4.Space: In the facelift model, space is actually increased in the middle row and a little bit in 3rd row. Three passengers can easily sit in the middle row(i have not said comfortably) and 2 passengers in the last row(kids are preferable). Headspace is also good. Legroom is ok, no complaints. The car feels spacious from inside and extra AC vent is also provide comfort in summer.
5.Ingress/Egress: The opening of doors is much wider compared to other cars so passengers, especially elderly people(like my parents), can easily enter and exit from the car.
6.Window size: Big windows which allow good light in the cabin and you won’t feel suffocated. But in summers, it also allows more heat so curtains are recommended.
7.Suspension/Handling: The suspension is also nice and can easily roll over from potholes or bad patch in the road without much jerks. The ground clearance is enough to handle any normal speed breaker. Handling is good at higher speeds and gives confidence to the driver.
What I don’t like:
1.The pickup is low. It takes its own sweet time to actually groove into higher speeds.
2.Boot space is less. So if you are going on a weekend trip with a family of more than 5 members than you may find spaceless to adjust your bags/luggage. The last 2 seats can be bent down completely to increase boot space. The middle row can be bent down too with a 60:40 ratio.
3.The body does not seem to be strong. It is a lightweight car to increase mileage.
Coming to accessories, I am listing down the products(with price) which I have installed in my Ertiga. But first, a suggestion -> if you are purchasing any new car then install the accessory one by one so you can actually concentrate and check that what is being installed on the car, and if it is properly installed or not. I did a mistake by installing all at once(inspired by some youtube videos) and went 3 times to the same shop again in Karol Bagh, Delhi. Maybe my bad luck. Here goes the accessory list:
1.Floor lamination - Rs. 3200/-(completely satisfied)
2.7D mats - Rs. 3500/-(not recommended because accelerator, clutch, and brake all won’t press completely due to thickness of 7D mats.
3.Door Visors - Rs. 1250/-(6 pc set)
4.Side bidding - Rs. 850/-
5.LED Footsteps - Rs. 1000/-(stylish in night - Blue color)
6.Reflector(backlight) - Rs.750(looks good - with indicator)
7.DRL(in Headlight - with indicator) - Rs. 800/-(one side goes off in a month, not recommended)
8.Roof Railing - Rs. 2600/-(attached with 3M tape)
9.Lower Garnish - 850/-
10.Seat Covers - Rs. 10, 000/-(not satisfied)
11.Steering Cover - Rs. 1100/-(paisa vasool fitting)
12.Charger - Rs. 250/-
13.Door guard - Rs. 200/-(Ipop)
14.Mobile stand - Rs. 250
15.Tyre Lock - Rs. 600(for safety)
16.Gear Lock - Rs. 1400/-(for extra safety)
17.Fog light chrome - Rs. 550/-
18.Android Stereo(2Gb/32Gb)- Rs. 10, 000/-
At last, I sold my Verna at Rs. 2.24 lakhs(exchanged in Maruti) and I am pretty satisfied with Ertiga car. (I still miss Verna because of it’s driving comfort).
Chose Petrol because of 15 years life of the vehicle. Though the average is less compared to the diesel vehicle price of a petrol car is also less compared to the diesel car. Further, a Petrol car requires less maintenance, and parts are cheaper also.
And if I would have not chosen the Ertiga then Creta was my first choice. I had almost booked the Creta but then retreated with thoughts of family size.