Since the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been available in India for the longest, no other manufacturer in its class has really been able to compete with it. The cherished MPV now has a mildly hybrid drivetrain thanks to Suzuki’s introduction of the Suzuki Ertiga Cruise Hybrid at the Indonesia International Motor Show.
Yes, the Ertiga with its mild hybrid engine is already available in India, but the Crusie Hybrid has the same 1.5-liter petrol engine together with a larger 10Ah battery pack. Although it still produces 104 PS and 138 Nm of torque, this engine is claimed to have a fuel economy in India that is somewhat higher than that of the Ertiga, which is 20 km/l.
The Ertiga Cruise distinguishes itself with sportier styling, including a shorter antenna, stylish front and rear bumpers with under spoilers, a side body decal, a rear upper spoiler, and, most significantly, LED DRLs, which are lacking on the ordinary Ertiga. There are just two color choices for the Ertiga Cruise Hybrid: Cool Black and Pearl White + Cool Black dual tone.
Suzuki has opted for an all-black interior with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a semi-digital instrument cluster. In addition to having ventilated cup holders in the center console, the MPV also has an automatic climate control system, a 3-spoke steering wheel, cruise control, and second-row armrests.
However, it’s unclear if Maruti Suzuki would introduce the Ertiga Cruise Hybrid in India. The vehicle is equipped with the K15B Smart Hybrid engine, which is only found in the aging Ciaz in India. Given the likelihood that the current Ciaz generation won’t receive any modifications, Maruti Suzuki’s plan to introduce this mild hybrid system to the Indian market looks improbable.