Now that we have speculated date of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga launch, we can safely assume that the MPV segment is all set to be divide into two parts – Compact MPVs and Full size MPVs.
The Ertiga which is expected to be Maruti Suzuki’s answer to the mighty Toyota Innova is actually much smaller than the Innova. Thus, it is possibly cheaper than the Innova as well. It could possibly start a whole new segment of compact MPVs in the Indian market.
However, the Ertiga will not enjoy the segment domination for long because Mahindra is also testing its Mini Xylo which has the same number of seats as the Ertiga and should be launched around the same price band if not cheaper. GM is busy testing the Njoy MPV for the Indian markets. Does Toyota need to worry about these new compact 6 seaters invading its Innova domination? Yes, indeed.
But Toyota already has an answer ready if the Ertiga is successful in the Indian market. Designed by Daihatsu for Toyota, the Avanza is an entry level MPV that compliments the Innova in the entry MPV markets. The Avanza is an ideal competitor for the Ertiga and has been rumored to come to India for a very long time.
Just like the Ertiga, the Avanza can seat 6 people in reasonable comfort. It is available in 2 engine options:
- A 1.3-litre petrol engine with 92 PS of power and 136 Nm of torque
- And a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 109 PS of power and 117 Nm of torque
Both engines are available in automatic and manual transmission.
The interiors is reasonably well equipped with multi info display, tilt steering with audio buttons and a 2-DIN head unit with AUX, USB and six speakers. Safety equipments include ABS, EBD and dual airbags.
Of course, there were also talks of making a whole new entry level MPV based on the Etios platform which we have comprehensively discussed over here. However, no test mules have been spotted yet so we have no update on that front.
Maruti Suzuki is planning to sell 5,000 units of the Ertiga every month. So do you think the Toyota Avanza can spoil their party? Or do you think that it is risky business for Toyota to launch another family MPV which could eat into the steady sailing Innova's sales?
[Image courtesy: Paultan.org]
