2015 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga facelift: India-spec vehicle caught undisguised ahead of imminent launch

India's largest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki has been testing the popular MPV Ertiga's facelift version in the past couple of months. The vehicle was caught in heavy camouflage previously in the country. The folks at Gaadiwaadi.com have now managed to snap the first pictures of the India-specific new Ertiga without camouflage.

As expected, the cosmetic changes are in line with the facelift that has been shown at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in August. However, there are certain country specific changes as well.

The face of the MPV gets chrome treatment all over. The vehicle sports an embossing three-slat chrome grill. The fog lamps get chrome housing and a newly-designed bumper. The main change at the rear is the horizontal chrome slat above the registration plate. The set of reflectors adjacent to the tail lamp which was part of Indonesia spec will give a miss in the India version. The interior has been also spruced up with engine start/stop button, new upholstery, electric folding mirrors, keyless entry and SmartPlay infotainment system.

Additionally, the new five twin-spoke alloy wheels in the fresh batch of spy pictures are also designed for India. The Indonesian version was showcased with different alloy wheels.

The major change in the Ertiga facelift lies under the hood. The 1.3 multi-jet diesel engine, developing 89bhp and 200Nm of torque, will now come with SHVS small hybrid system that debuted with the Ciaz hybrid. The system makes use of lithium ion battery that gets charged with the help of regenerative braking. The system converts the kinetic energy of the rolling wheels into electricity for charging the battery. Combined with the idle stop/start system, the 1.3-litre engine will return increased fuel efficiency. The engine is mated to five-speed manual transmission.

It will carry over the same 1.4-litre K Series petrol engine producing 94bhp and 130Nm mated to five-speed transmission. In addition, an automatic transmission variant will be available with the facelift.

The Ertiga facelift will make use of FAME scheme by the Central government, which offers incentives of up to Rs 29,000 on electric and hybrid vehicles. With eligibility for incentives, the Ertiga facelift is expected to be priced lesser than the outgoing model.