More style, more space, more elegance—The 2019 Suzuki Ertiga

As if demand for its bestselling compact MPV, the Ertiga, is waning (it’s not), Suzuki has seen fit to roll out an all-new, upsized second-generation Ertiga. The new model features a more elegant and stylish look while packing the Japanese automaker’s latest technological innovations for an enhanced driving experience. It’s also longer than its predecessor by a substantial 130mm and wider by a notable 40mm—enough to elevate it from the subcompact to the compact class.

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The upgraded seven-seat MPV features a wide and elegant grille and an overall more compelling front end. The lower air intakes and fog lamps add a sense of sportiness and make the car look edgy, while deeper and more prominent curves and character lines on the side and shoulder reflect robustness and give the car a more distinctive profile.

Perhaps the boldest departure from the previous-generation Ertiga is in the rear end of the car. It now sports European-inspired 3D LED taillamps that wrap around the side of the car and rise up along the D pillars, which now feature a thick triangular swath of metal to give the rear quarter a stronger and more assertive look.

The interior of the 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 finished in metallic chrome for a sleeker and more upscale look. The seats have deep bolstering for better support and sport fabric showing a 3D effect.

The new MPV has greater passenger legroom with the increased tandem distance of the third-row seats. The new Ertiga boasts a very generous 2,740mm wheelbase—that’s about as long as the wheelbase of midsize executive sedans! For added relaxation, the third row has more headroom while the seats are designed with a reclining and tilt-down mechanism of up to 16 degrees.

For better ventilation and convenience, rear AC controls and vents were installed to keep the second- and third-row passenger 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.

The all-important audio system is a 1-DIN two-speaker audio tuner/CD/MP3 player for the GA, an eight-inch touchscreen for the GL and, a 10-inch touchscreen for the GLX (the latter two with four speakers, navigation, and USB/Bluetooth connectivity).

Power comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine developing 13hp and 138Nm of torque. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The new Ertiga comes in a light yet highly rigid body, thanks to Suzuki’s new generation platform, HEARTECT. The new frame, which employs ultra-high-tensile steel in strategic areas, effectively disperses impact energy to improve safety in a collision while reducing noise and vibration on the road for a more relaxed and refined ride.

Working hand in hand with HEARTECT is Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), which scatters collision energy across the vehicle frame to mitigate damage to the car and passengers.

Despite the larger dimensions and increased levels of features and technology, the new Ertiga is priced not much higher than the previous model: starting with P728,000 for the entry-level GA (which comes only with a manual), P848,000 for the midrange GL MT, P888,000 for the GL AT, and P978,000 for the range-topping GLX, which comes only with an automatic. The new Ertiga comes in seven colors: Pearl Glorious Brown, Metallic Magma Gray, Pearl Burgundy Red, Prime Cool Black, Metallic Silky Silver, Pearl Radiant Red, and Pearl Snow White.