Suzuki Ertiga: an MPV with a touch of tech

Photos by Tessa R. Salazar

 

Take a Japanese carmaker that has been most well known for making world-class small cars and compact 4×4 urban offroaders, and ask it to create its own version of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). The result is a no-brainer: a compact MPV called the Ertiga.

But Suzuki isn’t content to just classify it as a compact MPV.

It has its own brand tag for the model: a “Life Utility Vehicle,” connoting the versatility and adaptability of its design and power for the family’s every transport purpose, and combining the maneuverability and agility of a compact car with the spaciousness of a seven-seater family car.

Furthermore, the Japan-based carmaker hasn’t made owning one a stretch, pricing the entry-level variant of the Ertiga (the GA) at just P665,000, and the top-of-the-line GLX at P918,000, thus all four variants fall well below the psychological P1-million barrier.

The Ertiga is understandably bigger than most in the product lineup of Suzuki.

Curiously, the name “Ertiga” is said to be a derivative of the “R-Tiga” (wherein “R” stands for “rows,” and “Tiga” means “three” in Indonesia, so putting them together gets the seating configuration of “rows of threes”).

“Ertiga” is also derived from the term “R3,” which in turn means “(swift with) three rows.”

There is a touch of the popular Swift in Ertiga. Just look at the LUV’s fascia, and you’ll see the resemblance.

Suzuki brings in its upgraded 2016 version of the Ertiga, which the carmaker now boasts as one of its bestsellers.

The Ertiga competes locally with the likes of the Toyota Innova and Avanza, Mahindra Xylo, Honda Mobilio, and Nissan Grand Livina.

A weekend sojourn with the Ertiga GLX yielded these observations:

1. Fresh interior

Despite its classification as an entry-level compact MPV, the Ertiga interior generates an ambience of elegance, primarily for its color scheme of cream and light beige.

The fabric design and gearshift cover also look sophisticated. The seat fabric feels comfortable to the skin. The downside is that this choice of color can be prone to cleanups.

2. A touch of tech

A number of interior upgrades are also in the 2016 Ertiga, including the multimedia Android touch screen, Bluetooth, WiFi, and USB connectivity with hands-free function.

Offline navigation is optional. Audio and hands-free switches are embedded in the GLX variant’s steering wheel to facilitate easy access to various tasks.

The keyless push start system and reverse sensor with on/off switches make driving a truly comfortable experience.

The volume and band controls are well-placed on the steering wheel, while there are also buttons to access information for average fuel consumption, range, and trip meters.

There’s also a separate aircon control for back passengers.

3. Conservative, but not forgettable look

The Ertiga exterior isn’t too bold to “date” its look, and yet this conservative look can fit most lifestyles. And if you’re aiming to be low-key in going about your day-to-day chores, then the Ertiga plays along with that.

4. Low key in looks

Despite being low key in the looks department, the Ertiga offers quite a number of interior space configurations, as all rear seats can be folded down (with its 50:50 split folding), reinforcing its claim as a useful, not-for-humans-only LUV.

5. Stable

Even when negotiating curves, the Ertiga is quite stable owing to its low profile and compactness.

6. Decent fuel mileage

This is achieved despite the relatively small 1.4-liter engine carrying a compact MPV (this author got 13 km/liter on combined city and highway runs).

7. Easy ingress/egress

The clearance is not too high nor too low. It’s easy to maneuver (especially through cramped village streets), and the dashboard controls are uncomplicated.

The rear seats fold without a sweat, and are easy to adjust for the needed legroom.

The GL/GLX variants sport the new triple-slat chrome grille that stretches sideways all the way to the headlamps, and a new front bumper with smaller air-dam and fresh fog lamp trims.

The body-colored electric folding side mirrors with integrated signal lamps, the chrome tailgate garnish, and the tail light extension at the rear all make the Ertiga look bolder and more aggressive.

The new 15-inch alloy wheel designs (for GL and GLX) and 15-inch steel wheels with full hub caps (for GA variant) complete the exterior of the new Ertiga.

Here are the Ertiga variants’ prices, starting at P665,000 for the GA M/T, P759,000 for the GL M/T, P799,000 for the GL A/T, and P918,000 for the GLX A/T).