The 2018 Maruti Ertiga is only a couple of weeks away from its official launch on 21 November. Pre-bookings of the new generation MPV have are reportedly underway at select dealerships. While it has been rumoured that the new model, which is larger and more feature-laden than its predecessor, will be sold through the Nexa premium dealerships, recent official communication from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd confirms that the MPV will be available at company's Arena dealerships.
Mass production of the 2018 Maruti Ertiga is reported to have commenced at MSIL's Gurgaon-based facility. It's being said that the company is currently manufacturing around 100 units of its new MPV every day. This figure is bound to see a significant increment once the new model has hit the market. The outgoing model enjoys a monthly sales average of 4,513 units (Apr-Sept 2018).
As per another report, series production of the 2018 Maruti Ertiga has been underway at the company's Gurgaon-based facility. Currently, the company is said to be producing roughly 100 units a day. Going by the current model's average monthly sales volume of 4,513 units (April-September 2018), the manufacturer will require to ramp up the production to at least 165 units a day in case the new model enjoys similar popularity.
While the India-bound model will be quite close to its Indonesian sibling with regards to its appearance, a slight disparity will arise out of the more liberal use of chrome accents. The Indian version will sport a chrome applique below the rear windshield. Chrome finish will also be found on the front grille, and the door handles. That said, the shiny trim is likely to be available only on the top-spec model.
The 2018 Maruti Ertiga is underpinned by the Heartect platform. The modern architecture leads to considerable weight savings yet offers a high structural rigidity. The petrol version of the new model will be powered by the K15B 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol motor that made its debut on the 2018 Maruti Ciaz. It outputs 105 PS/138 Nm and is available with two transmission options - 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic unit. The D13A 1.3-litre turbocharged motor of the current model will be carried over to the new version. It outputs 90 PS/200 Nm and comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Both the engine variants will be available with the SHVS dual-battery mild-hybrid system.
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The 2018 Maruti Ertiga is expected to have a base price of INR 7 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be lock horns with the Mahindra Marazzo.
