Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, the best-selling MPV in the country, is likely to get a new CNG variant in the form of ZXi S-CNG trim. Currently, only the VXi variant of the Ertiga is available with the factory-fitted CNG powertrain, which was updated to the BS6 emission norms last year.
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With the introduction of the Ertiga ZXi S-CNG, Maruti will be able to cater to the needs of a wider section of the audience. It is expected to retain most of the features of its petrol counterpart such as projector headlamps, front fog lamps, 15-inches of alloy wheels, LED taillamps, 2-din music system with USB/AUX/Bluetooth connectivity support, colored MID (multi-info display), electrically adjustable & foldable ORVMs, auto climate control with rear AC vents (in 2nd row), keyless entry with push start/stop button, tilt-adjustable flat-bottom steering with telephony & audio control switches, dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, rear parking sensors and more. However, it will miss out on the mild-hybrid system and thus the features like idle auto start/stop with regenerative braking & torque assist.
Powering the Maruti Ertiga ZXi S-CNG will be the same 1.5-liter K15 motor as the VXi trim, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It generates 92PS of max power and 122Nm of peak torque on CNG mode, as opposed to 105PS/138Nm when running on petrol. It is capable of delivering a claimed fuel efficiency of 26.08km/kg.
Currently, the petrol-powered Maruti Ertiga ZXI is priced at Rs 9.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Expect its CNG model to command a premium of around Rs 80,000. As of now, Ertiga doesn't have any direct competitors in the Indian market. However, it could be seen as an affordable alternative to the Mahindra Marazzo (Rs 12.03 – 14.12 lakh) and Toyota Innova Crysta (Rs 16.52 – 24.59 lakh). None of them is available with the CNG powertrain.
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In other updates, Toyota is gearing up to launch three rebadged Maruti vehicles in the Indian market, based on the WagonR (electric), Ciaz (could be named Belta), and Ertiga. All these Toyota-badged Maruti vehicles will get subtle exterior changes, especially in the front design.
