The Maruti Ertiga has been a popular choice in the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment, thanks to its combination of practicality, affordability, and reliability. As an entry-level family vehicle, it ticks all the boxes for those who seek a spacious, comfortable, and feature-rich car. The Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ variant, in particular, takes the experience a notch higher with enhanced features, premium design elements, and a well-rounded driving experience. In this review, we dive into the Ertiga ZXI+ to explore its space, comfort, and overall driving experience.
Stylish and Practical Exterior Design
The Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ comes with a refreshed exterior design that strikes a balance between modern appeal and practicality. The front fascia is characterized by a bold chrome grille that extends seamlessly into the sleek headlamps, giving the car a more premium look. The LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) add a touch of sophistication, while the chrome accents on the grille and side moulding elevate its overall appearance.
The side profile features clean lines, and the alloy wheels add a stylish flair to the overall design. The compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in city traffic while maintaining a larger-than-life presence on the road. The rear is equally impressive, with updated tail lamps and a wide bumper that enhances the vehicle’s stance. This refined yet practical design makes the Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ appealing to both urban families and those who need a reliable vehicle for long-distance drives.
Spacious and Comfortable Interior
Step inside the Maruti Ertiga ZXI+, and you are greeted by a spacious and well-designed cabin. This 7-seater MPV is tailored for families, offering ample space for passengers in all three rows. Whether you’re running errands around the city or going on a family road trip, the Ertiga ZXI+ ensures everyone has enough room to relax.
The first-row seats are comfortable, with good cushioning and ample adjustability, allowing the driver to find an ideal seating position. The second-row seats are spacious, offering generous legroom and headroom for adults, making it one of the most comfortable second rows in its class. The sliding feature of the second-row seats enhances flexibility, allowing you to adjust the seat positions based on your requirements, be it for added legroom or increased boot space.
The third-row seats are more suitable for children or shorter adults, but they can be a real asset when you need extra seating. The flat floor design ensures that the rear passengers have more room to move around, and the ease of access to the third row through a simple seat folding mechanism makes it practical.
In terms of interior features, the ZXI+ variant is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This system is intuitive and easy to use, offering seamless connectivity and entertainment options. The interior also boasts a multifunction steering wheel, a reverse parking camera, and automatic climate control, making long trips or daily commutes a more comfortable experience.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ comes powered by a 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine, producing around 103 horsepower. This engine, coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic gearbox, delivers a smooth and efficient driving experience. The engine performs well in both city and highway conditions, offering a balance of power and fuel efficiency. It handles daily commutes with ease and can comfortably keep up on the highway without feeling strained.
The ZXI+ variant features Suzuki’s SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology, which enhances fuel efficiency by utilizing mild-hybrid technology to assist with braking energy recovery and engine start-stop functionality. This helps in improving the overall fuel economy, making the Ertiga ZXI+ a cost-effective option for families who require both space and savings on fuel.
On the road, the Ertiga ZXI+ offers a comfortable and stable ride. The suspension system is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections well, ensuring that passengers in all three rows experience a smooth ride. The handling is light and precise, making the Ertiga easy to maneuver through city traffic and parking spaces, despite its size.
Safety Features
Safety is a key consideration for family cars, and the Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ does not disappoint. It comes equipped with standard safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Additionally, the ZXI+ variant gets features like the Smart Reverse Parking System, which provides better assistance during parking maneuvers, and the high-strength steel body structure ensures greater protection in the event of a collision.
The car also offers a standard child safety lock, seatbelt reminders for all occupants, and ISOFIX child seat anchors for added peace of mind. These features collectively contribute to the Ertiga’s reputation as a safe family vehicle, making it a reliable choice for those prioritizing safety.
Fuel Efficiency
The Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ is well-known for its fuel efficiency, thanks to the K15B petrol engine and the Smart Hybrid system. In real-world conditions, the Ertiga ZXI+ offers an average fuel economy of around 17-19 km/l, which is impressive for a vehicle of its size and capacity. This fuel efficiency is ideal for those who frequently drive long distances or want to keep running costs low while enjoying the space and comfort of an MPV.
Verdict: A Reliable Family Vehicle
The Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ is an excellent choice for families looking for a spacious, comfortable, and affordable vehicle. Its well-designed cabin, flexible seating options, and generous boot space make it a perfect companion for long trips, while its smooth ride and fuel-efficient engine ensure that everyday commutes are just as enjoyable.
The combination of modern features, advanced safety systems, and reliable performance makes the Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ a well-rounded option in the MPV segment. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle for daily errands or a car that can accommodate the whole family on vacations, the Ertiga ZXI+ offers a practical, cost-effective solution without compromising on comfort or quality.
For those seeking a family car with a balance of space, comfort, performance, and safety, the Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ is undoubtedly a strong contender in its class.
