Maruti Ertiga 2012-2015 VXI CNG Limited Edition

Ertiga 2012-2015 VXI CNG Limited Edition Review

Indian automobile market is flooding with back to back car models and the latest entry is the limited edition version of Ertiga. This exclusive version is available with a slew of styling aspects like body decals, 10-spoke style alloy wheels and chrome plated radiator grille. Its insides are decorated with wooden inserts, especially on door trims and around instrument panel as well. In addition to these, this MPV comes with an improved music system and second row roof mounted AC vents. MSIL is offering this vehicle with petrol, CNG and diesel fuel options for the buyers to choose from. The Maruti Ertiga VXI CNG Limited Edition is their CNG trim that is powered by the same 1.4-litre, K-series petrol mill. It is further linked to a CNG fuel kit that helps to improve its fuel efficiency. This limited edition trim is available with three paint options like Superior White, Silky Silver and a new Pearl Blaze Blue. It comes with a standard warranty period of 40,000 kilometres or 2 years, whichever comes first. However, it can be extended further to another three years or 60,000 kilometres at an additional cost.

Exteriors:

This MPV has an attractive body structure that is elegantly affixed with exclusive cosmetics. Its side profile has stylish body decals and chrome plated door handles. Furthermore, this limited edition trim also gets a set of 10-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels, which makes it look eye-catching. These rims have been covered with a set of tubeless radial tyres of size 185/65 R15. Its side profile also has attractive aspects like body colored external wing mirrors and black B pillars. Its rear profile has a captivating look owing to the body graphics given on its tailgate. It is further decorated with a chrome plated company's logo and model's lettering. Surrounding this is the small clear-lens taillight cluster that is equipped with powerful brake light, courtesy lamp and turn indicators. The windscreen is quite large and it is surrounded by a black sash tape. Then, there is a stylish spoiler, which is further integrated with a third brake light. Coming to the front profile, it is fitted with a large headlight cluster that is powered by halogen lamps and turn indicators. The radiator grille is now treated with a chrome, which gives an asserting look to the front. There is an air dam integrated to the front bumper along with a pair of fog lamps as well. The overall look of the front is complimented by the company's insignia affixed to the grille.

Interiors:

The internal cabin of this Maruti Ertiga VXI CNG Limited Edition trim is done up with a dual tone color scheme, which is further accentuated by metallic inserts. Its door trims and the instrument panel have wooden inserts that gives a refreshing look to the cabin. Apart from these, there are limited edition floor mats, which emphasizes its exclusiveness. As far as the features are concerned, this variant gets roof mounted AC vents on second row, reverse parking sensors with digital display and an advanced audio system . This vehicle comes with huge cabin space, which can host seating for at least seven passengers. Its cockpit has two individual seats whereas its second and third rows have bench seats. It comes with a decent boot volume, which can be increased further by folding the third row seats. There is 60:40 split folding function given to the second row seat, which provides easy access to the third row. There are a number of utility aspects given inside like a tachometer, digital clock, driver's seat belt reminder, and 12V accessory power sockets.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this variant is the 1.4-litre, VVT petrol power plant that is linked to a CNG fuel kit. This K-Series engine is based on a DOHC valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves that displaces 1373cc . In petrol mode, it can develop a maximum power of 93.7bhp at 6000rpm that yields in a peak torque output of 130Nm at 4000rpm. When switched to the CNG mode, it produces a superior power of 80.9bhp at 6000rpm and generates 110Nm of torque at 4000rpm. On the other hand, it is incorporated with a multi-point fuel injection system, which helps it to deliver a mileage of 22.8 Kmpl (in CNG mode) and 16.02 Kmpl (in petrol mode). The torque output is distributed to the front wheels through an advanced five speed manual transmission gearbox.

Braking and Handling:

This MPV comes with a highly reliable braking system in the form of front discs and rear drum brakes. As far as its suspension is concerned, the front axle is paired with a McPherson strut, while the rear axle has a torsion beam system. At the same time, this MPV is integrated with an advanced rack and pinion based electric power assisted steering system, which provides excellent response and supports a minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters.

Comfort Features:

This Maruti Ertiga VXI CNG Limited Edition trim has been equipped with several standard aspects. The list includes an power steering system with tilt adjustment, day and night inside rear view mirror, electrically adjustable outside mirrors , a large glove box unit and sun visors with passenger's side vanity mirror. In addition to these, this trim has remote fuel lid opener, power windows with driver's side auto down function, central door locking, remote back door opening and height adjustable seat belts. This new edition is also blessed with a powerful air conditioning system that also includes roof mounted AC vents in the second row. Furthermore, it has reverse parking sensors with a digital display that makes it easy to park the vehicle.

Safety Features:

This variant has been bestowed with quite a few safety aspects that protects the vehicle and its passengers. The list of protective aspects include central door locking, driver's seat belt warning, door ajar notification, headlamp-on and key-on reminder. Apart from these, it has features like 3-point ELR front seat belts and 2-point rear center lap belt in second row . Furthermore, it has an engine immobilization device along with a security alarm system that keeps the vehicle protected from theft and unauthorized access.

Pros:

1. Fuel efficiency in CNG mode is quite satisfying.

2. Additional features are added advantage when compared with its contenders.

Cons:

1. Safety features can still be upgraded.

2. Too long for smaller roads in the city.