Next-gen Suzuki Ertiga makes its way to Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: The second-generation Suzuki Ertiga has been on sale in the Indonesian market since April 2018. And now, Thailand too gets the new iteration of the MPV, and it will be imported from Indonesia itself.

The new Suzuki Ertiga has been given a complete design overhaul. To start things off, it is built on the latest HEARTECT platform, the same unit underpinning the new Swift hatchback. The MPV is now longer, wider, and taller than the outgoing model. Also, bigger dimensions mean a larger boot space.

It gets a lot of exterior bits that make it look overly different from the outgoing model. For example, the MPV looks more modern and upscale with the regular-sized hexagonal grille with a lot of shiny bits. The bumper is much more chiselled, and so are the sides. The rear portion gets a revision as well, thanks to the stylish taillights and sharp roof spoiler.

Under the hood, it gets a new engine. The 1.4-litre makes way for the bigger and better 1.5-litre K15B unit. This engine produces 105 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. A 4-speed automatic gearbox does the transmission duties.

The top-of-the-line trim comes with premium features like Thais leather upholstery, wooden trim on the dashboard, keyless entry, and push start. On the outside, there is chrome embellished door handles, LED rear lights, front fog lamps, and electronically adjustable ORVMs with integrated turn indicators.

Back in Indonesia, the Suzuki Ertiga completes against the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander, Honda Mobilio, and Toyota Avanza. Interestingly, the Proton-badged Ertiga did not perform too well in Malaysia, and if the improved model makes its way here, it would have to compete against the Perodua Aruz and Honda BR-V.