Ertiga ZXi - Supposedly VFM

Exterior

Exterior is good, average to say. Exterior doesn't matter much when you consider the engine aspects. Its more what you feel inside rather than outside. Still, a good looking car I would say. Add some side protectors to that, and you get a beautiful design. However, the tail lamps can be redesigned to give a more stylish and elegant look.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Interiors are okay. On the ZXi variant, you get all the creature comforts you aspire for. Music system is good enough for driving (who wants to rock and roll on the road). AC is good and pretty effective, I ifnd the manual AC better than ACC as in the manual version, you control the cabin temperature, while in the ACC, the car's computer does that job for you (who's that to decide how cold I want to be)

I would've been happy if the reflector strips at the back could have been real lights and work in tandem with the rear fog lamp. The trip meter is okay, most of the dash console is pretty easy to use and understand. NVH levels are quite good. Steering mounted audio controls are lovely. 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

The engine is pretty refined, many a times I don't even know whether the ignition is on or off as the engine noise is so low. It takes off smoothly in first gear, though would have loved the longer gear ratios. Gearbox is fantastic and gear knob has a soft feel to it (love it though).

FE, the most important aspect, depends upon how you drive, volume of traffic, weather conditions, road conditions, etc, etc. So mine comes to around 16 in city and 18 on highway (yes mine is petrol -- ZXi) with mixed AC usuage. 

Ride Quality & Handling

Ride quality is not that plush, probably the suspensions are on the stiffer side. However, handling is very good and the car corners with ease despite being 1.65 m tall. Ride quality is better in the first row and decreases thereafter. With ABS and airbag present, I guess the safety factor is also addressed here.

Final Words

Okay, so the final words, I bought this car for VFM. Looks don't matter to me as long as the inner core is perfect. I installed a rear parking sensor, a rear parking camera with GPS and bluetooth (yes both of them), from MGA (to maintain the car's warranty) as they are quite helpful in the city too, leave alone the highway. We are a family of three, so my purpose of a VFM car is satisfied, couldn't afford a luxury brand so had to compromise on Maruti 😟.

But nonetheless, as long as my car is not banged or dented from anywhere (God forbid), its a perfect vehicle for small to medium families like us. It is spacious, has a decent sized boot (yes with the third row down I'm talking about) and can carry 4 adults in comfort (not 5).

Areas of improvement  

Boot space can be improved, third row leg room can be increased, car length would be good at 5 metres or something, fuel tank capacity can be made 80 or 100 litres something, etc. 

 

Driving position, steering response, seating flexibility, fuel economyBoot space, Fuel capacity, Third row leg room, No remote boot release lever