Saar: Thanks to the HEARTECT platform, it will be bigger, safer, lighter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.

Searching a sensible seven-seater? Just hold on for a bit longer as Maruti Suzuki will soon introduce the all-new Ertiga later this month, specifically on November 21. Suzuki took the wraps off the new Ertiga in Indonesia earlier this year. The second-gen model has big shoes to fill. As for February 2018, its predecessor racked-up 6.76 lakh lifetime sales covering Indonesia, India and over 70 other countries and regions where it was exported.

So, what all do we know about the upcoming model? It will be underpinned by the same platform that does duty in models like the Swift, Dzire and Baleno – Suzuki’s HEARTECT platform. Compared to its predecessor, the new Ertiga will be lighter, bigger, safer and more fuel-efficient. As far as looks are concerned, it will no longer look like a descendant of the Swift or the Dzire. And you have to say, it looks a lot more attractive than before.

As far as the interior styling is concerned, it is expected to be in close relation to Maruti Suzuki’s sub-4 metre sedan. Even the level of equipment is likely to remain the same. That means you will get stuff like a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, push-button start/stop and LED headlamps with projector units. On the safety front, the new MPV will come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX anchorages and seatbelt reminder with buzzer as standard. Higher variants will up the safety quotient with gizmos like rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, front fog lamps and speed-sensing door locking.

In the engines department, the all-new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga will come with two options – the 1.5-litre petrol engine, with SHVS tech, from the Ciaz facelift and the tried-and-tested, Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre diesel. The former is expected to stay in the same state of tune as it is in the Ciaz and will have 105PS/138Nm on tap. The latter, however, is expected to remain unchanged in terms of oomph and will generate 90PS/200Nm. Maruti Suzuki will also offer the new Ertiga with a factory-fitted CNG kit. As far as transmission options are concerned, expect a 5-speed manual unit with both engines and a 4-speed automatic only with petrol.

The outgoing model is priced between Rs 6.34 – 10.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The new model is expected to be slightly pricier. Once launched, it will lock horns with Mahindra Marazzo and the Renault Lodgy. As before, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga will retail from the company’s Arena range of dealerships.