SUZUKI Philippines (SPH) has finally rolled out the all-new Ertiga, which bears an improved design of combined strength and elegance in a compact body. After its initial introduction at the Indonesia International Motor Show last year, anticipation grew further as to when the latest-generation model will be introduced in the Philippines. Now that it’s finally here, one thing for sure is that Suzuki fans would definitely appreciate this well-loved seven-seater model’s fresh and fiercer look.
Gracing the event was none other than SPH president Hiroshi Suzuki, SPH General Manager for Automobile Keiichi Suzuki, SPH Managing Director and Treasurer Norminio Mojica and Suzuki Ertiga chief engineer Satoshi Kasahara, who presented the design details of the new-generation model to the members of the motoring media, dealers, bank partners and Club Ertiga representatives who also attended the launch event held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City on January 23.
Starting off with the new exterior design, the all-new Ertiga now looks absolutely imposing. Noticeable are the brand-new grille design, which is now united with the fresh set of sharp-looking headlamps. Even the bumper received several changes, such as the redesigned integrated lower grille and fog lamps housings. More defined and deeper profile lines are now visible from the bonnet, fenders and flanks to reflect robustness and stronger presence. The rear end also received several alterations. The taillights, for one, have gone unconventional in terms of orientation and extended to various rear panels. Matching all these stunning elements are the new set of 15–inch multi-spoke alloy rims. Overall, the exterior frame is now a bit longer and wider but with retained wheelbase measurement.
Likewise, the interior received major changes. While the new layout retained the neat light brownish two-toned motif, it now has dynamically sculpted and richly textured dashboard, which is further highlighted with wooden trims for added elegance. The new tilt-adjusted steering wheel with embedded controls is now D-shaped and also trimmed with wooden finish (GLX model). Another notable upgrade and exclusive to the top-spec model is the tablet-like 10-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment equipped with offline navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity functions.
Cabin space has also increased thanks to the additional measurements created for seating arrangements in the middle and last row as well as the added headroom at the last row. Moreover, the storage bay also received 40 liters of space compared to the previous model’s capacity and even improved with a 50:50 split luggage board. The new seats, meantime, are comfier and well-padded with deep curve design. Middle row seats are slide-adjusted to create more leg room. There are more 12-volt sockets for gadget charging plus cup holders are everywhere with air-cooled ones at the center console. There are also a ceiling-mounted air-con vents to cool the middle and last rows.
Another major upgrade is the new powertrain. Suzuki dropped in a new 1.5-liter KB15 petrol engine generating 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and 138 N-m of maximum torque at 4,400 rpm. It is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission exclusive to the GL and GLX models. The five-speed manual gearbox option, on the other hand, is available for the GA and GL models. With higher output compared to its predecessor, Suzuki is confident that the new powertrain will also deliver excellent fuel efficiency.
Apart from the long list of convenience features, the all-new Ertiga is also superior when it comes to safety. Let alone its light yet highly rigid body derived from Suzuki’s new generation platform – HEARTECT. This new continuous frame design increases underbody stiffness and effectively disperses impact energy to improve safety while reducing noise and vibration. Add to that the Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), which disseminates collision force across the vehicle frame to mitigate damage to the car and passengers. Other standard safety features are the front dual SRS airbags, antilock-braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, reverse parking sensor, among others. Additionally, the front end is equipped with impact-absorbing structures with mitigating effects.
The all-new Ertiga is being offered at the following price points: P728,000 for the GA model; P848,000 for the GL MT version; P888,000 for the GL AT model; and P978,000 for the top-of-the-line GLX. There are seven available body colors: Pearl Glorious Brown, Metallic Magma Gray , Pearl Burgundy Red, Prime Cool Black, Metallic Silky Silver, Pearl Radiant Red and Pearl Snow White.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino