So far a good experience driving my Ertiga

I just received my Maruti ZDI after a lot of wait and agitation with Maruti. Anyways I had booked White ZDI but had to compromise for Silky silver. Its a good color and not a bad option of only changing color but getting the ZDI variant(considering many had to switch from ZDI to VDI).

I have no complaints against Maruti officials who have been really helpful. I just think dealers will be dealers and never improve.

I selected Ertiga as there is no car in Sedan or UV segment under Rs. 10-11 lakhs matching the features of Ertiga. I evaluated Hyundai Verna, Sunny Nissan, Toyota Etios, Mahindra Xylo, Skoda Rapid also (as I had got tired of waiting in interim period from booking till delivery). Only  Nissan Sunny came close as it matches nearly everything that Ertiga has (but After sales service was a big sore point and it was a  5 seater).  I liked Mahindra Xylo personally in MUV segment but mileage of 10-11 kms and ride quality ruled it out. Its inflation time and need to keep fuel cost low.

Ertiga has everything going for it

·         Twin AC,

·         Adjustable rear head rest (important for chauffeur driven car- missed in Toyota Etios),

·         Mileage (better than Xylo),

·         ABS/ Airbags,

·         7 seats,

·         Rear wiper,

·         Amazing space between head and car roof, etc.

So far I have got mileage of 13.67 kpl (after first full fuel tank). This is in peak Mumbai traffic where distance of my home to office of 38kms takes two hours daily. Twice I have taken my different families out on short trip and they been very comfortable (all three rows occupied- six adults and one child on both occasions). No complaints of any space crunch. In fact in last row 2 avg size adults and small kid can sit comfortably. AC has been really good so far (actual results can be known earliest in Mumbai October heat). Ride quality in driver seat and front seat is amazing.

Only concern is ride quality in middle row which is bouncy on highways at a speed. To stay firm I have to put on Seat belts.

I installed MGA like seat cover, sun film, mats etc as a token of appreciation to dealer Spectra Motors Thane for delivering the ZDI (though after a long fight). But they messed up even in that. On Day 1 they didn’t install Sun film and the seat covers weren’t cleaned with stain marks on it. Had to do 2 rounds of the dealership only for accessories. I had previous bad service experience with Spectra Motors for another Maruti car of mine my wife owned (this was post booking of Ertiga though). Hope Maruti Suzuki is listening somewhere and makes effort to improve Dealer service.

I hadn’t got the audio system remote control and during delivery TL / Branch Mgr of Spectra Motors lied to me that remote control for audio system doesn’t come. I came across an article accidentally on a forum and saw the image of remote control for Ertiga ZDI. I then checked with other dealers of Maruti Suzuki and people on social media and auto forums. They all confirmed that you get remote control with Ertiga ZDI. It was a horrifying experience as even after confronting them they continued to deny remote control comes with audio system. I finally got a remote and guess it was of test drive vehicle.

I swear never to go to Spectra Motors again and recommend everyone to avoid Spectra Motors.

To sum up there is no better Car/ LUV in sub 10-12 lac segment than Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. One has to patiently fight it out with dealer/ company to get timely delivery of the car and scratch your head to find a good dealer/ASS (thankfully in Maruti there are some good ASS).

Will post more reviews once I do more kms and use the car more.

Fuel economy and spaceRide in middle seat