Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Competition Check

Maruti Suzuki has launched the all-new Ertiga and it is now based on Maruti’s all-new Heartect platform. Also, it is bigger than the previous generation MUV, not only in terms of length but also width which means it will now offer more cabin space than before. While the diesel engine is the same 1.3-litre Multijet, the petrol has been replaced by the new 1.5-litre engine that made its debut with the Ciaz. With new interiors and all the bells and whistles, the Ertiga does not cost a lot over its predecessor which makes it an even more formidable opponent for its competition.

1. Mahindra Marazzo

Mahindra has entered the budget people-mover segment with their all-new Marazzo. The diesel-only Marazzo starts at Rs 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom and sits above the entry-level Ertiga diesel. But it is 190mm longer and 131mm wider than the Ertiga which means it offers more space than the Maruti. While the features offered by both Mahindra and Maruti are similar, the Marazzo gets a larger 1.5-litre diesel engine that develops 121bhp of power as compared to the 1.3-litre 90bhp setup on the Maruti Ertiga. But the Ertiga is lighter which makes it almost as fast while also delivering a much better fuel economy.

2. Renault Lodgy

The Renault Lodgy has been in the Indian car market for quite some time and is one of the most capable MUVs in the segment. It is over 100mm longer than the Ertiga and marginally wider and at Rs 8.79 lakh for the entry-level diesel, is cheaper than the Ertiga too. While the entry-level diesel trim gets an 85bhp 1.5-litre engine, the higher trims offer an 110bhp setup with a five-speed manual gearbox. With its new interior, the Ertiga does get an edge over the dated design of the Renault.

3. Mahindra TUV300 Plus

The TUV300 Plus can be compared to the Ertiga, especially because it falls in the same price bracket as the Ertiga but again is offered with a diesel powerplant only. The TUV300 is an MUV while the Ertiga is an MPV and the Mahindra gets a much large 2.2-litre diesel that develops about 120bhp of power. Also since the TUV300 is bigger, it offers more space across all-three rows. But the Ertiga, with its all-new design has a premium urban feel to it as against the rugged workhorse appeal of the TUV. With its higher ground clearance, the TUV300 should be able to perform better off-road but when it comes to road manners, the Ertiga will be ahead.

4. Honda BR-V

The Honda BR-V is a soft-roader SUV based on the Honda Mobilio, one of the Ertiga’s early competitors. We have included the BR-V in the list because it is the only car that offers a petrol engine option along with the diesels. But, the BR-V is positioned almost Rs 2 lakh over the Ertiga, ex-showroom. The 1.5-litre petrol engine develops 117bhp of power as against the 103bhp from the Ertiga, but it is just 60mm over the Ertiga in terms of length and almost as wide. Also, both the cars are comparable in terms of the features across the trims.