Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
AFTER the much-awaited launch of the all-new Ertiga, Suzuki Philippines (SPH) hosted a media drive event a week after in order for us to finally experience this seven-seater MPV. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect since most of us were really looking forward to test it sooner. But this time, it’s not the usual long drive up north or elsewhere but rather a shorter and more relaxed— just like what most families would do on a weekend.
So we recently took the all-new Ertiga for a soothing drive to Tagaytay Highlands where we had to the chance to spend more time behind-the-wheel by driving through the winding roads within the vast property.
Everything started on an early assembly and briefing at the Suzuki dealership in Pasig with no less than SPH General Manager for Automobile Keiichi Suzuki along with other executives joining the event. “We are more than happy to start the year not only with the successful launch of the new Ertiga, but also by celebrating with our media partners who continue to support us in our every activity. The seven-seater Ertiga MPV has time and time again captured the hearts of many Filipinos with its top-of-the-line features, making it the best-selling model of Suzuki in the country for many years. With its latest technological innovations combined with modern styling, the new Ertiga is sure to let Filipinos sees the day in style and live the Suzuki way of life,” said Suzuki.
Commissioned were 15 fresh-out-from-production GLX models all lined-up waiting to be driven. The natural daylight further brought out the refinements in the exterior, which exude the combined strength and elegance in a compact body. The new look is absolutely imposing coming from the brand-new grille design which is now united with the fresh set of sharp-looking headlamps. The bumper also received a redesigned integrated lower grille and fog lamps housings.
The exterior profiles are now more defined particularly on the bonnet and fenders with deeper profiles delineations on the flanks. The rear end, meantime, received fresh sets of taillights and more angular profiles to complement. Then matching all these stunning elements are the new set of 15–inch multispoke alloy rims. Overall, the new exterior appearance is a big step up from its predecessor, apart from being a bit longer and wider, while retaining the wheelbase length.
As soon as we boarded, we were greeted with a completely new cabin design. It now has dynamically sculpted and richly textured dashboard highlighted with wooden trims. While the new layout retained the neat light brownish twotoned motif, the new interior trims really provided that refreshing sense and, of course, the added elegance. Also, the new D-shaped steering wheel with embedded controls is trimmed with wooden finish. Another notable upgrade for the top spec model is the tablet-inspired 10-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment equipped with offline navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity functions.
One more improvement is the cabin space. Additional measurements have been made for seating arrangements in the middle and last row, as well as the added headroom in the last row. Middle-row seats are slide-adjusted to provide more legroom at the back. Also, tumble levers are now placed on top for easier operation and access to the third row. Even the storage bay got 40 liters of extra space and augmented with a 50:50 split luggage board. The new seats, meantime, sport new fabric patterns. It’s deep curve design is certainly comfier and well-padded. There are more 12-volt socket for charging smartphones and cup holders. We particularly liked the air-cooled ones at the center console. The ceiling-mounted air-con vents provided added cold air at the middle and last rows. For the vehicle’s less than a million-peso price tag, the overall cabin presentation looks way more expensive.
Behind-the-wheel, the higher output from the new 1.5-liter KB15 petrol engine generating was certainly evident. Now with 103 hp and 138 N-m of maximum torque, you can feel a better response from the low-end range providing smoother runs toward cruising speeds. But, of course, there was a need to squeeze within the midrange whenever there’s a need to overtake. Considering there were three of us large-built adults boarded plus luggage, the motor, for its size, still did a great job in propelling the vehicle. Retained was the smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and sequential controls for squeeze more torque every gear or engine braking.
How the all-new Ertiga behaved on the road was exactly like its predecessor—leaning toward comfort. Tire rebounds from road imperfections were minimal. But highway runs were absolutely smooth enough to doze off your passengers. Good thing the higher tire series was retained, which also aided in absorbing rebounds. The slight damping rigidity we felt, in turn, aided in providing good handling and control. Remarkably, for its relatively tall ground clearance, the vehicle handled the winding roads well. Steering was still as soft and responsive with that steady stiffness as the speed goes up, thanks to the electric power-assisted mechanism.
In terms of safety, you’re getting the light yet highly rigid body derived from Suzuki’s new generation platform—HEARTECT. This new frame design increases underbody stiffness and effectively disperses impact energy to improve safety, while reducing noise and vibration. Also there’s the Total Effective Control Technology, which disseminates collision force across the vehicle frame to mitigate damage to the car and passengers. Even the front end is equipped with impact-absorbing structures with mitigating effects. Other standard features are the front dual SRS air bags, antilock-braking system with electronic brake distribution, ISOFIX child seat anchorages and reverse parking sensor, among others.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino