“Our engineers and designers have worked hard to create an MPV that truly delivers on its paper promises. There is more space, and even adults can comfortably use the third row of seats. There is also more power from the new 1.5 litre engine and it sports a higher specification level throughout the range,” says André Venter, divisional manager for sales and marketing at Suzuki South Africa.
The new Suzuki Ertiga is visibly longer and wider than its predecessor, and designers have amplified these features with an imposing new front design and stylish rear lights.
Viewed directly from the front, you will immediately notice the large upright and cross-cut grille with imposing Suzuki S-emblem and large new headlights in clear housings and individually packaged driving and high-beam lights.
The lower air intake is also significantly larger than before, with a deep air intake to complete the bold front design.
The sheet metal is significantly more sculpted than before. The bonnet is raised and creates horizontal creases that flow to a wide shoulder on either side that runs to the large rear light clusters. Lower down, Suzuki designers have added deep convex lines that run almost the length of the vehicle.
At the rear of the Ertiga, the designers have mimicked the upright front grille with a slightly slanted upright section on the rear tailgate, directly above the number plate holder. The rear lights reach towards the roof and contain LED combination brake- and driving lights.
Lastly, the designers have added a darkened section to the C-pillar similar to that of the all-new Suzuki Swift, which creates the impression of a floating roof. They have also added an integrated high-level brake light in the luggage door.
Suzuki has stretched the Ertiga by 130mm to 4,395mm, while lifting the roof by 5mm to give the vehicle a total height of 1,690mm. The Ertiga is also 40mm wider, which translates almost directly into more shoulder room for passengers in all three rows of seats.
Despite the extra length and width, Suzuki has kept the wheelbase unchanged at 2,740mm, which means that the new Ertiga shares the nimble turning circle of 5.2m with its predecessor.
With the extra space available to them, Suzuki’s engineers set about creating a truly comfortable interior. The dark cloth seats are both more supportive – thanks to a new seat spring design – and roomier and the second (60/40) and third row (50/50) of seats can fold flat to create flat storage of up to 2.820 metres with the front passenger seat also folded flat.
With the seats up, the luggage compartment offers 199 litres of storage space, with a load floor that can adjust to two different heights. With the seats down, the load space is more hard wearing and sturdier than before, thanks to metal plates in all the folding seatbacks.
Ultimately, it is the driver and passengers who will benefit most from the extra space.
“We believe that a true seven-seater has to comfortably accommodate adult passengers in the third row. With the deep floor, more hip space and larger shoulder room, an adult passenger of up to 1.75 m will be seated comfortably, even on longer journeys,” says Venter.
Suzuki has also added the ability to lock the middle row in different configurations by as much as 140 mm from rear to front, for more rear leg room. The third row of seats can adjust their seatbacks by up to 15 degrees for more comfort.
According to Venter, the increased cabin space follows the insight that more and more young families find themselves sharing a home with parents as well. This increases the need for comfortable transport for children and adults alike, which is something the new Ertiga does with ease.
Creature comforts
Suzuki has made sure that all the creature comforts are catered for.
In front, the driver has a new instrument cluster with chrome bezels and a multi-information trip display. The steering wheel on GL models also features chrome highlights and steering controls, while all models benefit from the D-shaped steering wheel with height adjustment that allows for ease of getting in and out.
The instrument cluster is housed in an upright dashboard with integrated radio, with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. There is also a unique money bin for notes and coins and a special mobile phone tray to store connected or charging phones.
In the lower section of the centre console, Suzuki has added two air-conditioned cup holders and a 12V charging socket, with a second charging socket located behind the front seats for the middle row of passengers.
As part of its focus on more creature comforts, Suzuki has invested significant engineering time into making the cabin of the Ertiga a more comfortable place than before. Some of the improvements over its predecessor include new double door seals, moulded noise-absorbing material in the roof and additional floor and door damping – all leading to one of the quietest cabins in its class.
All Ertiga models are equipped with two airbags for front passengers and ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). Suzuki has also added ISOFIX-approved seat anchors for child seats and a reverse parking sensor system for the GL model.
As was first seen, and applauded, on the new Suzuki Swift and Vitara, the new Ertiga makes use of Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) to create an extremely rigid but lightweight body structure.
Suzuki’s patented TECT technology has additional load paths below the vehicle for energy dispersion in a collision. It also uses ultra-high-tensile steel to create a more rigid body that is 6kg lighter than before.
The TECT body frame is mounted to a new-generation flat platform to create the new-generation HEARTECT body. This platform has a smooth underbody with aerodynamic curvature for improved stiffness, greater dynamic body control and a weight reduction over its predecessor.
In the Ertiga, Suzuki has developed specific impact-absorbing structures in the front bumper, front windscreen wipers and bonnet to absorb the impact of a pedestrian in a possible pedestrian accident. This complies with the standards set by the European NCAP programme.
Lastly, all models feature an immobiliser and the GL specification level is also fitted with a security alarm for additional peace of mind.
New engine, more power
The all-new Ertiga will be equipped with Suzuki’s new K15B 1.5 litre petrol engine, which offers direct fuel injection and variable valve timing for more efficient power delivery.
The engine delivers more power and torque than the K14B engine it replaces, while still offering exceptional fuel economy. In the Ertiga, the K15B engine delivers 77 kW at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The latter is available across a wider range of engine speed than before.
The new engine is mated to Suzuki’s well-known five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic gearbox. Both shift options feature a more refined shifting pattern with new shift knobs that are both easier to grip and to operate.
Model range
Three versions of the Suzuki Ertiga will be available from launch. All three models are sold with Suzuki’s promotional 200,000km/five-year mechanical warranty and a four-year/60,000km service plan.
The models that are available at launch are:
