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Suspense Crime,Digital Desk: Sure, we all know the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. It can be considered the unofficial go-to option for a large number of Indian families considering buying a sensible, reliable 7-seater MPV. That's because it ticks all the boxes - sufficient space for all passengers, ease of operation, economical running costs, and presence of a Maruti service center. Works best for India, pretty much fulfills utility requirements for a family vehicle.
Ertiga already has Maruti's "Smart Hybrid" technology (a.k.a mild hybrid) features. A mild hybrid system gives a slight push with acceleration and improves fuel economy through functions like idle start-stop. A step in the right direction, technology that adds value and doesn ramp up the cost massively.
However, the recent conversations in town, especially when discussing the ‘All-New’ Ertiga, seem to focus on its hybrid features. Could Suzuki be preparing a more advanced version with a strong hybrid like the Grand Vitara (which uses Toyota’s technology) has?
One can only dream of an Ertiga that can run on pure electric power.
That’s the primary benefit a strong hybrid brings. Unlike its predecessor, the mild hybrid, a strong hybrid system has a larger battery and a stronger electric motor. This enables the vehicle to:
What Else Would Make It ‘All-New?’
If indeed Maruti intends to make a significant facelift or rearranging hybrids for the next gen comes first, then there is a chance we will see some further changes along the way:
Strategic Market Focus and Rationale Behind It
Introducing a strong hybrid variant to the Ertiga would make the vehicle far more competitive in the market. It would directly appeal to customers who primarily consider operating costs, providing industry-leading fuel efficiency in the 7-seater segment. It would sit above the standard variants of the Ertiga, but most likely below or alongside the XL6.In a market that is more sensitive to fuel costs and carbon emissions, incorporating a strong hybrid Ertiga would be highly beneficial for Maruti Suzuki.
But Is It Confirmed?
To be clear, Suzuki has not formally shared a statement regarding a new model Ertiga with an integrated strong hybrid motor system. A lot of this comes from logical reasoning, technology options available owing to the Toyota Suzuki relationship, and market factors. Developing and integrating a strong hybrid system needs certain expenditure, so Maruti does need to work on the pricing.
Still, the anticipation is fascinating! The Ertiga is already a best selling model. Lets not forget how the practicality focused Indian family buyer would appreciate a vehicle that combines the fuel economy of a strong hybrid with the effortless driving experience it has to offer. We will be looking out for any official updates.
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