More spy pictures of the 2018 Maruti Ertiga slated
to launch next year have surfaced online. The new set of images has been shared
by Motoroids. However, a heavy camouflage means that they do not anything new.
The test mule bears the same temporary registration
plates as the one spotted on multiple occasions last month. However, this one
rides on a darker set of alloys as compared to the earlier spy pictures. The
next gen Ertiga appears to have a much longer rear overhang than the model it
will replace. The MPV is not bound by the 4 m length restrictions, so MSIL has
the freedom to increase its length to help enhance second and third-row space
and cargo volume.
Suzuki will utilize their HEARTECT platform for the
new Ertiga. It also underpins the new Swift, Dzire, Baleno and the Ignis and
should lead to considerable weight savings. The company’s new 1.5 L diesel that
has been developed in-house to replace the Fiat-sourced 1.3 L Multijet diesel
will power the 2018 Maruti Ertiga.
However, it may become available only at a later stage and not at the time of
launch.
Indonesia, which is a big market for MPVs, will get
the new gen Ertiga in the first half of 2018 according to a report. While one
report points to an August 2018 arrival of the new Maruti Ertiga, another one
claims that the launch will take place sooner. An Auto Expo debut on February
9-10, 2o18 could also be on the cards.
At the last edition of the Auto Expo in February
2016, MSIL used the first day to debut the Vitara Brezza, which is a part of
the Maruti Suzuki Arena lineup. On the second media day, the company showcased
new Nexa products. This time around, while the first day (February 9) will
almost certainly be reserved for the new gen Maruti Swift, the new Ertiga,
which is reported to move to Nexa outlets with the arrival of the new
generation model, could be unveiled on February 10.