Versatility on Wheels

Good people carriers or minivans share a very special bond with a typical Indian household. Not only are they perhaps the most practical segment for modern cars, they can be very driver oriented as if the manufacturer wants it to. Truly, they have the ability to embody the best of both worlds as far as cars are concerned.

Maruti Suzuki’s Ertiga could have been one such car. For carrying people, it is almost perfect. You get enough space to carry your kids and a couple of adults, and enough luggage for a short trip to the hills or the beach, and you get ample oomph from the drivetrain to pull all that weight on a highway. The cabin is spacious and feels very open, even with 7 adults and a driver in the car. Furthermore, for its size, the Ertiga handles really well. It’s not exactly zippy; don’t expect to just wriggle your way out between cars and trucks on the road while driving.

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What you will enjoy is how light and just apt the steering feels. The steering further compliments the driving position that one sits in. You get a clear view of the road in front of you as the pillars don’t really impede your view. Futhermore, the backseats are really easy to get in and out of, and they fold down to give you even more space for your luggage.

There are some drawbacks however. A car of this size should come with a rear view camera as standard. Also, Maruti really needs to figure their seats out. For a car that otherwise capable of being driven from one city to another, Ertiga has some really uncomfortable seats, and we wish they were a little softer. Also, let it be clear, at times the Ertiga feels a little dry to drive. There is no tangible excitement, or fizz if you will, that one experiences when you drive this car, although, you adjust to this feeling really soon.

The new Ertiga could have been more oriented for drivers if its acceleration and braking had been a little more responsive. Still, for the demographic that Maruti is targeting this car at, speed and instant delivery ofpower will not necessarily be a priority. As a peoples carrier then, the Ertiga is good enough. Just not perfect.

Also Consider

Mahindra Marazzo

Although priced higher than the Ertiga, the Marazzo looks far more aggressive and sporty. It is more oriented for the driver, without compromising on much.

Honda BR-V

Although the BR-V is long due for an update, it still is more than capable of holding a handle to all its younger competitors. Reliable and fun to drive, this is the quintessential MPV.

From the March 2019 issue of FHM India.