Maruti Ertiga-based Premium Nexa SUV Spied For The First Time

Likely to get aesthetic updates as well as additional features over the standard Ertiga

Maruti is planning to launch a more premium version of its popular MPV, the Ertiga.

Maruti is planning to launch a more premium version of its popular MPV, the Ertiga. Expected to go on sale in the coming months, the premium MPV was spotted testing recently. Since the test mule was heavily camouflaged, it didn’t reveal much except for some minor details. The test car appeared to feature body cladding on the sides, making it look bulkier than the standard Ertiga. What also seemed different was the front end, which not only looks more upright but also gets a larger grille and new headlamps (similar to the Ciaz). Rounding off its sporty and rugged styling were roof rails, which are not present on the standard Ertiga. Like the standard Ertiga, the test mule was also equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels. However, we expect Maruti to offer the premium MPV with 16-inch units, when it goes on sale. Although the latest set of spy shots don’t reveal anything about the interior, sources close to the development have confirmed that the premium will be a 6-seater with captain seats in the second row. On the features front, it is expected to be better equipped than the standard Ertiga with additional features like LED headlamps, new alloys, leather upholstery and cruise control. The spy shots showcase the test mule fitted with an emission testing equipment at the back. It suggests that the MPV will be powered by a BS6 version of the K15B petrol engine that powers the standard Ertiga in BS4 avatar. On the Ertiga, this engine makes 105PS of power and 138Nm of peak torque. It comes coupled with either a 5-speed MT or a 4-speed AT. Maruti might also offer the premium MPV with diesel engines like the Ertiga. However, the diesel-powered MPV will be available only till April 2020 since Maruti has already announced plans to discontinue diesel engines from April 2020. The Ertiga is currently available with 1.3-litre (90PS/200Nm) and 1.5-litre (95PS/225Nm) diesel engines. Once launched, Maruti is expected to sell the premium MPV from its Nexa line of dealerships, unlike the Ertiga, which is sold through Maruti Arena. It is expected to be priced at a premium over the standard Ertiga, from Rs 7.44 lakh to Rs 11.20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The premium MPV won’t have any direct rivals in the Indian market except for some variants of the 7-seater Marazzo, which is priced from Rs 10.17 lakh to Rs 14.5 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India).