Maruti Suzuki is most likely working on a new variant of the popular MPV Ertiga. A test mule of the Ertiga MPV has been spotted in Pune which appears to be a rugged derivative of the MPV. The spied car could well be an Ertiga Cross which could be launched in India soon. The test mule is seen with a new front bumper design which has large air intakes and a crossover like cladding running from the front of the car to the rear. The front grille seems larger than the current Ertiga, with more chrome and a refreshed headlight design, with LED daytime running lights. The ground clearance on the MPV also seems to have increased.
The test mule is heavily camouflaged and the interiors are almost impossible to be seen but speculations are that the Ertiga Cross is likely to get an all-black theme on the dashboard with a matching set of upholstery and is likely to come in a 6-seat configuration with captain seats in the 2nd row.
The Ertiga Cross is also expected to feature equipment such as climate control air-conditioning, air-cooled twin cup holders, power windows on all four doors, electrically adjustable ORVMs with electric folding function, auto adjust IRVM, tilt adjustable power steering, remote keyless entry, etc. in addition to this it is also expected to get a touchscreen infotainment system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity with steering mounted audio and calling control buttons.
The spied MPV is likely to have had a BSVI compliant engine, as the pictures show emission testing equipment attached to the car. The engine is expected to be the K15B petrol engine in the new BSVI format. The current K15B petrol engine is a 1.5-litre petrol engine with Smart Hybrid technology that produces 105 PS of power and 138 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
In terms of safety, the MPV is expected to come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, seat belt reminder with pre-tensioners and force limiters, speed sensitive auto door locks, over speed alert system, central locking, reverse parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat anchorage system and more.
The spied model is expected to be on sale in the brand’s premium Nexa dealership network rather than the Arena showrooms. It is also expected to be placed above the standard Ertiga.