A more elegant Suzuki Ertiga
I first test-drove the Suzuki Ertiga when it was first launched a few years back. This year and staying true to its promise of offering only the best-value vehicles, pioneer compact car distributor Suzuki Philippines (SPH) starts with the launch of the new and improved version of its well-loved MPV, the all-new Suzuki Ertiga.
The first thing I noticed as I entered the MPV is how much more elegant its interiors with are. After all, the new version is packed with the Japanese automaker’s latest technological innovations for an enhanced driving experience.
“With the increasingly diversified demands of the local auto industry and needs of end-users, we cannot be complacent when we’ve done well and stop innovating,” said SPH director and Automobile Division general manager Keiichi Suzuki. “We want to make sure that our customers get more than they deserve, which is why we decided to further improve the best-selling Ertiga. With its new features and enhanced functions, the upgraded MPV will definitely enable more Filipinos to live the Suzuki Way of Life! and drive SPH forward.”
Time To Drive
If there is one more thing to be said about the Ertiga is that it sports a fiercer look and boasts maximum functionality. Added to that the Ertiga combines strength and elegance in a compact body — which will definitely allow Filipino families to go on adventures and seize the day in style. The Ertiga built for everyday use as a school and office car and turns to the perfect weekend drive when the time rolls in.
The upgraded seven-seater MPV features a taller nose and a wide and elegant front grille. The lower roof side extends the head room while providing a more stylish side view. The integrated lower grille and fog lamps add a sense of stability and make the car look edgy. Deeper curves on the side and shoulder and character lines were added to reflect robustness and a stronger presence.
The interior of the all-new Ertiga is designed with sophistication and flexibility in mind. The new steering wheel has a flat bottom for better leg clearance while the gauges are painted with metallic chrome for a sleeker look. The seats have a deep curb with the fabric showing a 3D effect.
Superior Riding Comfort
It was time to hit the road and as always it was a weekend with no particular destination in mind.
I decided to begin my weekend with doing grocery shopping for the family. I called out ever-reliable helper to join me in the venture.
It was off to nearby Unimart in Capitol Commons where I took the Ertiga and parked it — with no hassles in one of the tighter spaces near the main entrance.
There was much to buy because it was grocery shopping for the week and I knew that fixing the back seats of this seven-seater would give us ample space for the groceries.
The all-new Ertiga offers new comfort features to help make traversing Metro Manila traffic more bearable and pass the time away more pleasantly. The improved MPV has larger passenger legroom with the increased tandem distance of the third row seats. For added relaxation, the third row has more headspace while the seats are designed with a reclining and tilt-down mechanism up to 16 degrees.
I also noted that for better ventilation and convenience, a rear AC was installed to keep the second and third row passengers comfortable. Small storage spaces are also added all around, including a coin holder, ventilated cup holder, improved center console and door pockets, to accommodate more hand-carry items.
After about two hours in the grocery we were ready to load all we bought. Easy as pie with much space to spare.
How did the Ertiga run?
Just like it should: smooth and comfy in spite of the heavy load.
We made it home — unloaded the groceries and I was off again this time by my lonesome to see how well the Ertiga handled in the SLEX.
Top-Tier Performance And Safety
It took me about 20 minutes to make it to the SLEX and I had planned just to do a back and forth on the SLEX.
The all-new Ertiga comes in a light yet highly rigid body because of Suzuki’s new generation platform, the HEARTECT. The new frame effectively disperses impact energy to improve safety while reducing noise and vibration.
Another notable feature is the Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), which scatters collision energy across the vehicle frame to mitigate damage to the car and passengers.
The upgrade of the Ertiga truly made it an MPV to fall in love with. It handled smoothly and drove so effortlessly up and down the SLEX.
“All the upgrades on the new Ertiga are designed to give Filipino riders the confidence to enjoy every adventure knowing they and their family are safe and comfortable,” added Suzuki. “Beyond making technological improvements on our vehicles, our goal is to always ensure that our customers have an optimum driving experience.”
For more information about the all-new Ertiga, visit http://suzuki.com.ph/auto/, like it on www.facebook.com/SuzukiAutoPH and twitter.com/SuzukiAutoPH, and follow on Instagram at @suzukiautoph.
