ALAS—Love month is here. Aside from a bunch of good oxytocin flinging in the air, there are several reasons you will practically fall in love with this modest, yet peppy, life-utility vehicle (LUV) once you get to know it more—personally. This writer considers this refreshed 2016 Suzuki Ertiga will fire up your love hormones and drive you, well—crazy.
Cool looks
I caught first sight of this sprightly LUV during a short stint in New Delhi, India, with friends from Suzuki Philippines and colleagues from the media back in 2014. It seems like its striking features then etched a mark on my palate deeper than, say my memory of the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal—no, seriously.
The Ertiga’s name originated from Indonesia’s own version of it, the R3, Er stands for R and Tiga, which means three and refers to the vehicle’s three-seating rows.
For the newest version of this multipurpose vehicle on Philippine roads, a more sophisticated exterior defines this stunner compared to its predecessor. The GL and GLX variants sport a new triple-slate chrome grille that stretches sideways all the way to the headlamps complemented by a new front bumper with smaller air-dam and fresh fog-lamp trims. While, the body-colored electric folding side mirrors with integrated signal lamps, chrome tailgate garnish and taillight extensions at the rear make the Ertiga look exquisitely bolder and more aggressive—not to mention, more premium.
New 15-inch alloy wheel designs (for GL and GLX) and 15-inch steel wheels with full hub caps (for GA variant) even cap its new-found swagger.
Neat niceties
What’s amazing about this revamped version is its multimedia Android touchscreen, Bluetooth, Wi-fi and USB connectivity with hands-free function. Now, you can even have downtime and connect with friends on Facebook while getting stuck in Edsa traffic for hours. Audio and hands-free switches are also embedded in the GLX variant’s steering wheel to facilitate easy access to various tasks.
Unibody
The Ertiga was developed by Suzuki’s Japanese research and development team, together with a number of Indian engineers and is manufactured in India by the Maruti-Suzuki joint venture. This vehicle is based on the Swift’s platform and powered by the same K14B 1.4-liter, four-cylinder DOHC engine with 16 valves, variable valve timing, multipoint fuel distribution and 95 hp of power and 130 N-m of torque. It is, however, 310-mm longer and 155-mm taller than the Swift.
This piece of machinery is also constructed using a monocoque (uni-body), which is designed and built to support the weight of the vehicle—achieved by strengthening the floor of the vehicle and pillars, as well as the use of bracing along various parts of the body. More advantages of this are the resulting lighter design, which is a plus for fuel efficiency, ease in incorporating crumple zones and more torsional stiffness.
Superb handling
Since the vehicle is light, the added plus for a monocoque body is that it’s so nimble that you can throw it around, play and cut corners—in short, it’s fun to drive, just like the Swift.
Sportscar-like performance
Now, Rambo may have been too happy with the trigger during his glory days. Picture him, this time, in an Ertiga. Yes, this seven-seat carrier loves to be revved and is eager to give its driver more than enough “oomph” despite its very modest lean muscles. The good thing about Suzuki is that it has built up its reputation for making cars that are dubbed as “small but terrible”. And with this, what we mean by terrible is: sporty, race-winning and intimidating.
In fact, Suzuki Philippines General Manager for Automobile Shuzo Hoshikura proudly shared, “We decided to bring in the refreshed 2016 Ertiga because we want Filipino families to experience its best-in-class innovations designed for comfort and style.”
“The new, amped-up edition of the Ertiga is a testament to our commitment to continue innovating and manufacturing cars that meet the needs and expectations of our customers. In particular, compact vehicles are what we are passionate about, and we are determined to hold leadership in that category,” he added.
Versatility
Versatility is the new bible nowadays. And what’s good about the Ertiga is that it has complied with the stiff demands of today’s consumers. It comes in four variants: the Ertiga GA Manual Transmission (P665,000); the GL Manual Transmission (P759,000); the GL Automatic Transmission (P799,000); and the GLX Automatic Transmission (P918,000). One can choose from Silky Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Pearl Metallic, Prime Cool Black, Pearl Radiant Red, Pearl Burgundy Red and Pearl Snow White.
Meantime, the rear seats are now 50:50 split folding, thus further improving the flexibility of the MPV. When the third is folded, it can free up space of up to 460 liters, which can be increased to 810 liters when the second row is stowed, as well.
Additionally, the keyless push start system and reverse sensor with on/off switches make driving a truly comfortable experience.
Anywhere rendezvous
If you’re feeling the vibe, let the vehicle be the conduit. In fact, you can be more creative with the space endowed by this carrier by putting a small table inside, together with some candles, plates, utensils with Johann Sebastian Bach playing in the background—the works. It could be a remote spot, like a hillside in Antipolo, by the beach or a parking lot of a picnic area overlooking the sunset in Tagaytay. Wherever it is, better do it this love month. After all, you already have six convincing reasons you could say to persuade your partner to begin with.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes