2018 Maruti Ertiga spied next to a Honda Mobilio

The 2018 Maruti Ertiga has been spied yet again in India, this time alongside the Honda Mobilio, which would have been one of its competitors had it not been discontinued by Honda Cars India. However, the image does give the viewer a reference point as to the overall size of the second generation Ertiga.

The 2018 Ertiga, which is on sale in Indonesia, is expected in the Indian market this quarter. Post the launch of the 2018 Maruti Ciaz, the 2018 Ertiga is expected to go on sale and will be the second recipient of the 1.5-liter K15B VVT four-cylinder VVT petrol engine. It delivers 104.7 PS and 138 Nm of torque on the Indonesian-spec model. For the Indian market, the 2018 Ertiga will additionally come with a 1.3-liter DDiS diesel engine option, with Maruti's SHVS smart-hybrid system.

Based on the new HEARTECT platform, the second generation Ertiga is 99 mm longer, 40 mm wider, and 5 mm taller than its predecessor, though at 2,740 mm, the wheelbase is unchanged. The MPV will pack a reverse camera, alloy wheels, SmartPlay touchscreen entertainment system, keyless entry and go, rear AC vents and automatic climate control as features on the top-end variant, though expect ABS, EBD and dual front airbags to be standardized in the lineup. The video below shines some light on the HEARTECT platform of the Ertiga.

Also read: Suzuki Solio spied testing in India

Reports state that Maruti is also working on a crossover based on the 2018 Ertiga which will have its market introduction in India around 6 months after the launch of the MPV. The crossover will rival the Honda BR-V, and the 2WD variants of the Mahindra Scorpio as far as price is concerned. With the new Ertiga and its crossover taking over, the existing Ertiga will serve the commercial market under the 'Tour' branding.

[Image source - RushLane]