Suzuki launches cosy new carrier

[caption id="attachment_38260" align="alignright" width="405"] PEOPLE PLEASER: With the Ertiga, Suzuki set out to design a spacious and versatile vehicle that would provide seven seats and ample cargo space, while retaining the agility, response and efficiency of a compact hatchback[/caption]

SUZUKI has launched the Ertiga, a compact life utility vehicle (LUV). While the Ertiga's name does not roll off the tongue easily, this will not deter the versatile vehicle from adding sales to Suzuki's range of affordable, quality cars.

This time the launch took place in the heart of the Eastern Cape, East London, with a drive up to the idyllic holiday town Morgan Bay and back.

With its three seating rows, the Ertiga can accommodate up to seven occupants (at a pinch).

The Ertiga is powered by Suzuki's latestgeneration, fuel-efficient K14B four-cylinder engine.

The fuel-injected 1.4-litre power unit already enjoys a strong reputation for performance and fuel efficiency, ensuring that the Ertiga can also count lively responses and class-leading fuel consumption among its many talents, says Suzuki.

The line-up comprises five models, spanning a choice of three specification levels – GA, GL, and GLX – and either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

"The arrival of the Ertiga breaks new ground for Suzuki in South Africa," says Francois van Eeden, Suzuki Auto SA's national marketing manager.

"The brand's reputation for producing exceptional compact cars is already well established, and the Ertiga extends those virtues to the small MPV segment for the first time," Van Heerden says.

All five Ertiga models are powered by the same, latest-generation K14B engine. The 1373cc four-cylinder engine features weight and friction-reducing technologies, together with electronic fuel injection and variable intake valve timing, to achieve an optimum combination of performance and efficiency.

The result is a maximum output of 70kW at 6000rpm, coupled to a torque peak of 130Nm at 4000rpm. The variable valve timing allows the engine to prioritise torque at lower engine speeds, and power at higher engine speeds, thus ensuring brisk responses and sustained cruising speeds under all driving conditions.

The value-for-money character of this newcomer to the Suzuki family is underscored by class-leading fuel consumption of only 6.6l per 100km in the combined cycle. While the entry-level Ertiga GA model is available with a five-speed manual gearbox only, the GL and GLX versions also offer the optional convenience of a four-speed automatic transmission. Drive is to the front wheels in all instances, further enhancing drivetrain efficiency.

On the road, the new LUV performs well and lives up to expectations. It would be nice if Suzuki could provide a test vehicle with seven people on board, plus their luggage, to gain an overall impression of its strengths and weaknesses.

Suzuki Ertiga prices are:

GA – R159900;

GL – R179900;

GL a/t – R194900;

GLX – R192900;

GLX a/t – R207900.

Suzuki has once again pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the new Ertiga, which is bound to be another good seller for the brand. - Bobby Cheetham