The Ertiga MPV is a fairly popular product in the Indian market. With the second-gen model that was launched last year, Maruti has managed to tick all the right boxes for any prospective MPV buyer in the market.
However, the new Maruti Ertiga is still considered an MPV; something that limits is target audience. Presently, not everyone needs a people carrier in their garage. Instead, urban commuters are looking for crossovers that provide a pinch of aggressiveness in their character. Maruti has now decided to widen the target audience of the Ertiga by launching a crossover version in the Indian market.
Likely to be called the Maruti Ertiga Cross, this new model has recently been spotted testing in public roads in India. The test mule was heavily camouflaged. As a result, we can’t say much about the design changes based on these images. However, we do believe that the Ertiga Cross will share its body panels with the regular model. It will likely get new bumpers with black plastic cladding and faux skid plates. An upright nose, new headlamps with LED inserts and a different set of alloy wheels are some other changes expected to be seen on the Maruti Ertiga Cross.
Also Read: Maruti Ertiga 1.5 Diesel launched
On the inside, the new crossover version of the Ertiga might get an all black cabin, rather than the dual tone layout seen on the regular model. Also, the second row might come with captain seats, thus making the Ertiga Cross a six-seater.
It is worth noting that the spotted model is fitted with emission testing equipment. Hence, we believe that the Maruti Ertiga Cross in India will come with a BS6 compliant version of the 1.5-litre four-cylinder K15B petrol engine.
Once launched, the Ertiga Cross will be placed a slot higher than the regular Ertiga in Maruti’s Indian portfolio. There are also reports that suggest Maruti selling the Ertiga Cross in India through its Nexa premium dealership chain. The current Ertiga MPV is sold through the Maruti Suzuki Arena dealerships.
The Maruti Ertiga Cross is expected to rival the likes of the Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta and Honda BR-V.