Maybe I’m getting old, I don’t know, but gosh darn it - I like this new generation Suzuki Ertiga.
Usually I’d say things like “it’s not going to set your pants on fire” or “overtaking requires some planning” (and that would be true), but as someone who this vehicle would be targeted to (a 30-something mom with three kids, two dogs and a significant other who often needs space for his bicycle) I can tell you honestly that I don’t actually care that my pants are not going to be set on fire with this car.
Here’s why I like it.
1. It’s simple motoring
There are no gimmicks, no silly things to get used to, nothing that screams “I’m trying too hard”. The new generation Suzuki Ertiga is simple motoring. I don’t need to think about where to find the seat adjustment or which menu takes me to the sub-folder for the setting that adjusts the air-con temperature. Ok, so there are buttons on the audio system that has two functions each. I did find that a bit annoying.
2. It’s a neat looking thing - inside and outside
The exterior looks of the Ertiga are not going to - wait for it - set your pants on fire or anything. But the lines are clean, and the rounded nose reminds me a bit of Ford’s EcoSport. The interior, while filled with hard plastics, is a good place to be. I like the dark fabrics and the fact that there is little to fuss and fiddle over. It feels neat.
3. It’s practical
This is, of course, the whole point of this car - it’s a practical vehicle that can take you and your bike to the mountain or you and your family to the park, with ease. I used it on my daily commute quite a bit (+- 40km one way) and it was perfectly suited to that to.
There are seven seats so having the full family of five plus school bags and extras in the car was never a problem. The smaller kids (9- and 10-years-old) loved sitting on the back bench and found it to be perfectly suited to their small size. It’s not surprising because this new model is after all, longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces. With the seats up, the luggage compartment offers 199 litres of storage space, with a load floor that can adjust to two different heights. This capacity, of course, increases if you are not using the third-row bench.
4. It comes decently equipped… at least this test model did
There are three derivatives to choose from - GA manual, GL manual and the GL automatic.
The GL is the more generously specced version with steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The GA doesn’t get the audio treatment. All models get air-con, while the GL also gets manual air-con at the back. Safety is taken care of in the form of two airbags for front passengers, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and a reverse parking sensor system for the GL model.
5. There’s a new engine at the heart of it
Under the bonnet of the Ertiga lies a new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that pushes out 77kW and 138Nm of torque. This is mated with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic ‘box. I sampled the manual iteration which I found to be impressively smooth. Sure, the Ertiga is not quick, but I wasn’t in a hurry anyway - it suited my needs just fine.
Bonus things you might want to know
Price: The cost of an Ertiga is between R214 900 and R254 900 - depending on which model you opt for. This includes a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
Performance: Suzuki claims a top speed of 175 km/h for the manual and 170 km/h for the automatic.
