2018 Maruti Ertiga Diesel Could Get a 6-Speed Manual Gearbox- Report

The 2018 Maruti Ertiga Diesel could get a new in-house developed 1.5-litre oil-burner from Maruti Suzuki. Ditching the current model’s Fiat sourced 1.3-litre unit. Recent spy images suggest that this engine will come as standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited is all set to launch the next-generation iteration of the Ertiga MPV in India this August. The 2018 iteration of this MPV made its first public debut at this year’s Indonesian Motor Show. Images from the event put an end to most of the speculations regarding this vehicle. And also gave us an insight into what the next-gen iteration of this vehicle will have in terms of its exterior, interiors and equipment attributes. In the Indonesian markets, the new Ertiga comes with a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine. The same will also come to the Indian shores as well.

As far as the 2018 Maruti Ertiga diesel variant is concerned, the speculations are still ongoing. Now curtsey Gasdiwaadi, a series of spy shots of the test mule of the new Ertiga in India have surfaced. These show that the oil-burner for the new model of this MPV will get, as standard a new 6-speed manual gearbox. Currently, the diesel derivative of the Ertiga comes as standard with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In addition to the gearbox, the diesel variant of the car will also get a brand new, in-house developed 1.5-litre motor. This will replace the existing 1.3-litre Fiat sourced oil-burner.

Also Read: Maruti Ertiga 2018 Price, Images, Launch Date, Mileage And Specs- Compete Details

Maruti Suzuki has been sourcing the diesel engines for all its model line-up from Fiat. Now, Bharat VI stage emission norms coming into effect from the year 2020. This means Maruti has to look for new engine options. This is because Fiat is not planning to upgrade the existing 1.3-litre motor for BS VI emission standards.

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Other than the modifications done in the engine compartment of the 2018 Ertiga, this MPV is going to come with a completely redesigned exterior profile. Furthermore, as is with the Indonesian spec version, the cabin layout will resemble the one seen on the new Dzire. With minor cosmetic differences of course. The space on the inside is likely to increase as well as this version of the Ertiga will use Suzuki’s new HEARTECT platform. This underpinning is not only lightweight but is also quite rigid compared to the one available in the current spec version. This will help in improving its the car’s mileage as well as stability.

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The generation update for the new Ertiga will also get a significant upgrade in terms of its equipment list. Range-topping models are going to come with features like Smartplay infotainment system, automatic climate control, projector headlamps among the others. It will also get LED daytime running lights, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel to name a few. Not only this, but the vehicle will have dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Rear parking sensors. These safety equipment are going to be available as standard across the range.