Next-gen 2018 Maruti Ertiga (Maruti YHA) rendered

30/06/2017 - 17:55 Maruti Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki, Renderings Sagar Parikh

All-new Maruti Ertiga expected in the market next year.

The Maruti Ertiga (Suzuki Ertiga) was introduced in 2012 and received a facelift in 2015. The second generation of the three-row light MPV is anticipated in showrooms next year, and Adrians Ramadhani has formulated a rendering to preview the 2018 Maruti Ertiga.

2018 Maruti Ertiga (Maruti YHA) rendering — A report way back in Sept 2015 said MSIL is targeting volumes of 80,000 units a year for the new Ertiga.

The Maruti Ertiga rides on a lengthened version of the previous generation Maruti Swift platform. The next-gen Maruti Ertiga (codename: Maruti YHA) would utilise the HEARTECT platform of the new generation Swift and Dzire. To maintain the family look, the rendering, as would the production model, is built borrowing design cues from the new Swift.

As observed in the existing version, the interior would be constructed with parts from the new Swift/Dzire, like the dashboard, instrument panel, steering wheel and centre console. Expect Maruti's Smartplay 7-inch touchscreen on the next-gen model.

The new generation Maruti Swift's platform is 30 kg lighter than before, and the redesigned model is 120 kg lighter. The HEARTECT will ensure the next-gen Maruti Ertiga also has substantial weight savings, leading to improved driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. Expect advancements in the safety department as well, with a stronger body shell and better safety equipment.

The long-rumoured 1.5-litre diesel engine developed in-house could debut in the Ertiga, paving the way for more powerful Maruti crossovers and SUVs. With government incentives taken away for hybrid cars, SHVS tech may no longer be a favourite.

As for the petrol option, the current model shares the K14B 68 kW (91.15 hp) 1.4-litre engine with the Ciaz, but the Maruti YHA could have more power. The imported K10C 75 kW (100.54 hp) 1.0-litre BOOSTERJET engine isn't the likely contendering its price, and Maruti Suzuki could find a candidate in the M15A 109 PS (107.47 hp) 1.5-litre unit which is expected first in the Ciaz and S-Cross.

Suzuki Heartect platform — With the HEARTECT platform, expect the 2018 Maruti Ertiga to gain a smoother ride, higher fuel efficiency and sharper handling.

Also Read: Maruti Alto 2017 sales cross 1 lakh units in India

The 2018 Maruti Ertiga has not started testing, and a timeline based on that and past reports would put its entry in mid-2018. The next big launch for Maruti is the all-new Swift early next year, and perhaps six months after, the new Ertiga could break cover. MSIL may bring a near-production concept or divulge more information at the Auto Expo 2018.