Maruti Ertiga facelift starts testing ahead of 2015 launch - Spied

Likely to get an AMT variant.

Launched in April 2012, the Maruti Ertiga will get its facelift by the middle of next year, and has already started testing in India. Just like with the Swift, Maruti doesn't want to comprehensively change the looks of the car, as the Ertiga is a well accepted design among buyers.

Thus, minor changes to the grille and bumper are expected upfront, while new alloy wheel patterns and body colors will more-or-less complete the exterior round of changes. Inside, the Ertiga is expected to gain similar features as that seen on the 2015 Swift. Electrically retractable wing mirrors, a Bluetooth-enabled music system, keyless entry and go should be seen on the top-end variant.

More significantly though, the engines are expected to be optimized for better fuel efficiency. Currently, the 1.4-liter K-Series petrol engine delivers 16.02 km/l while the 1.3-liter diesel returns 20.77 km/l. Taking the Swift as reference, expect a 10 percent increase of these figures.

This report points out that Maruti will introduce its AMT (automated manual transmission) technology on the Ertiga, most probably in the petrol version. A 4-speed automatic gearbox is already available on the Ertiga petrol in international markets, but to keep costs in check and pitch the idea of low running cost with a clutch-free drive to self-driven customers, the company could indeed use the 5-speed AMT unit.

Also see: Maruti YBA compact SUV rendered

Despite new competitors like the Honda Mobilio and Chevrolet Enjoy, the Ertiga continues to post healthy sales numbers, with November 2014 witnessing sales of 5,003 units.

Competitors: Honda Mobilio, Chevrolet Enjoy, Mahindra Xylo
Expected Price: INR 6-10 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Mid-2015

[Spyshots from GaadiWaadi]