Maruti Suzuki Ertiga facelift variants decoded

Maruti Suzuki recently launched a facelifted version of its MPV, the Ertiga and has priced it at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It gets cosmetic updates both inside and outside and most importantly is now being offered with the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system in the diesel variants. It is also the first vehicle in the segment to be offered with an automatic gearbox, in this case, the four-speed AT also used in the Dzire and Ciaz. 
This major update was first shown earlier this year at the 2015 Indonesian Auto Show and now it has gone on sale with deliveries beginning from next month. In our quest to aid you in making the best choice when it comes to buying the MPV, we have decoded the variants to give you our opinion on the best variant that money can buy when it comes to this MPV.

First things first, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is now being offered in 11 variants (six petrol and five diesels) and in six shades of which two are new colours. The petrol engine is the K-Series VVT four-cylinder mill that produces 90bhp and 130Nm of torque. It can be had with a five-speed manual or a four-speed AT.
Powering the diesel variants is the 1.3-litre Multijet mill that produces 89bhp/200Nm of torque with power going to the front wheels via a five-speed manual. Now, Suzuki has added the SHVS technology as a standard feature across all diesel models in the Ertiga lineup. This technology is expected to aid in fuel efficiency as well as drivability.
Variant wise decoded (All prices ex-showroom Delhi)
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXi+/ZDi+
- Rs 8.43 lakh/Rs 9.25 lakh
This is the top-of-the-line variant for the Ertiga and comes loaded with all the bells, whistles and trinkets that Maruti Suzuki offers for this MPV. Starting from the outside, we can see new alloy wheels, grille, ORVMs with integrated indicators and liberal dabs of chrome all over to enhance the premium factor.
Moving into the cabin, Maruti Suzuki is now offering a touchscreen infotainment system with MirroLink, driver’s seat height adjustment, button start, security alarm, ABS with dual front airbags as well as seatbelt pre-tensioners and finally rear camera with parking sensors.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXi/ZDi
- Rs 7.86 lakh/8.83 lakh
These are the non-enhanced versions of the top-spec models and retail for Rs 57,000 lesser than the equivalent petrol ZXi+ and Rs 42,000 lesser than the equivalent ZDi+ models. This reduction in price has been achieved through the removal of the touchscreen infotainment system, button start and rear parking camera. In place of the touchscreen system, there is a 2-DIN unit with AUX and Bluetooth compatibility.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXi/VXi AT/VDi
( Rs7.26 lakh/Rs 8.26 lakh/8.26 lakh)
The VXi/VDi variants are technically the third level variants for the Ertiga. This is the first major step down from top-spec models. The Ertiga VXi has been priced Rs 60,000 lesser than ZXi while the Ertiga VDi has been priced Rs 57,000 lesser than the ZDi variant.
This variant loses out on the alloy wheels, rear wiper and defogger assembly on the outside. In the cabin the outside temperature gauge, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, seat back pocket on the right in the second row have been deleted. The 2-DIN system has been retained but sans the tweeters. This is also the only variant where the AT option is available and it has been priced Rs 1 lakh more than the standard VXi model.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga LXi+LXi (o)/LDi+ LDi (o)-
Rs 6 lakh+, Rs 6.35 lakh/Rs 7.56 lakh+, Rs 7.63 lakh
 These are the most basic variants of the Ertiga. They lose out on a significant number of features like all the external enhancements including the wheel covers. The door handles and mirrors are black and there are no fog lamps. In the cabin all the features including the power windows and split third row seats have been removed. The only comfort feature is an AC with vents only for row 1. The LXi variant is a whopping Rs 1.26 lakh lesser than the VXi while the LDi is Rs 70,000 lesser than the VDi variant.
However, it is here that Maruti Suzuki has managed to pull an ace out of its sleeve. In the non-optional form, this variant is offered with a driver’s side airbag only. Customers can opt for the LXi (o)/ LDi (o) variants which are priced Rs 35,000 higher in the case of the petrol and Rs 7,000 more for the LDi (o) variant. This additional payment will get you a passenger side airbag, seatbelt pre-tensioners and ABS, though it must be noted that in the diesel models ABS is standard across the range.

Our choice:
Our choice would normally be significantly influenced by the number of safety features that are offered in a variant of vehicle. However, it looks like this one has to be influenced by other factors as there are similar safety options across the range and that is an excellent thing.
We would recommend the VXi/VDi variant as it offers the most number of features for what seems like a reasonable price when compared to its rivals. Also it is the only variant where you get the AT option, an increasingly selected feature among buyers.