2022 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG first drive review [Video]
Maruti Suzuki’s Ertiga became a dark horse for the brand. While it was popular in its first-generation avatar, the newer model became a common sight on the roads. Maruti Suzuki offers the widest range of CNG models in the Indian market. While there is no diesel option from the brand, the CNG alternatives have got in some big numbers. With the rising fuel costs, customers, especially in the cities where the CNG pumps are plenty, prefer to go with the more economical version. Maruti Suzuki is also evolving the CNG options by offering a better loaded – ZXI trim in the newly arrived Ertiga. We did take it around for a spin and here is what we think.
Maruti Suzuki has updated the 2022 Ertiga. The changes might not be in your face and obvious but there are a few updated parts. For example, the chrome-dipped grille is new. There is so much chrome on this grille that the Suzuki logo is camouflaged. The design of the grille is new as well. With the ZXI CNG variant, you also get fog lamps.
Also read: Maruti Suzuki XL6: New TVC released
And there are new dual-tone 15-inch alloy wheels as well. The wheel wells might look empty but that is a trade-off for better ride quality and comfort. The rear remains identical with pillar-covering tail lamps but there is a new chrome strip to spice up the looks. It looks well with the customers who love shiny things. There is a lot of that in the new Ertiga ZXI CNG.
Maruti Suzuki works effortlessly to squeeze out every bit of space from the vehicle. Even with the 60-litre CNG tank in the boot, there is ample space to keep a couple of bags. If you have more luggage, you can make more space by leaving passengers behind. The last row seats are 60:40 split and can be dropped down flat to make more space for your luggage.
There is no complaint of space from the Ertiga. You get ample space in the last row, second row and front seats. Maruti Suzuki also offers various cubby holes, seat pockets and door pockets for your small items. Watch the video to check out all the space inside the car.
Since this is the first time Maruti Suzuki is offering ZXI trim with factory-fitted CNG, you do get a better list of gadgets and also CNG-specific features. The ZXI trim adds features like a push start/stop button, keyless entry, a different shade of upholstery, and an updated touchscreen infotainment system. The SmartPlay features and reversing camera are not there but you do get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The instrument cluster is also different and gets a TFT information display. There are various CNG-trim-specific changes including the ratio of CNG and fuel drive, level of CNG, mode, fuel efficiency and more. The temperature gauge on the non-CNG variants has become the gauge of the CNG level.
The new Ertiga now gets the K12C dual-jet petrol engine that is also available with a host of other Maruti Suzuki products now. It produces 100 PS of maximum power but once you switch to CNG mode, the power output reduces to 87 PS. However, that drop is insignificant and you really do not notice it until you’re doing 0-100 km/h runs, which we doubt people will be interested in.
The Ertiga starts in petrol mode and as the engine gains some temperature, it swiftly switches to CNG. You do not notice anything in that transition period except for a hiss and a sign on the instrument cluster. Switching between the fuel options is quite easy and quick as well.
There is ample power in the Ertiga. It only gets a five-speed manual transmission and the gear changes are quick. The best part is that you do not feel any difference while driving in the petrol and the CNG mode. You do not feel underpowered while climbing a flyover or overtaking other cars.
The clutch is lightweight and if you drive in heavy traffic all day long, the gear ratios will make you happy. The second gear is pretty tall and can handle everything from low speed to decent speed. This is very helpful, especially in crowded traffic areas. We drove the car on open roads and city traffic. Watch the video for detailed information on the performance.
With a price of Rs 11.54 lakh for the ZXI CNG trim, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga does not face any competition in the market. You do get factory-specific changes in the vehicle including easy access to the CNG nozzle, CNG specific changes to the engine, different engine mapping, a host of safety features and more. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga CNG is impeccable when it comes to engine operation and sure is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a family MPV that will not burn a hole in your pocket.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500