Introduction

The Ertiga created a new segment in the Indian market. It may be an MUV with an entry-level price tag, but unlike others in the segment, it is designed to be a family car. The Ertiga, with its modern architecture feels like a hatchback and still gives the large Indian family the option of commuting together when required. The fact that it is priced very aggressively adds to its success, showing other manufacturers that there is growth potential in the entry-level MUV segment.

There are now couple of manufacturers lining up products for this segment and first among them is the Mobilio from Honda. Unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo, the new Honda is set to go on sale in the second quarter of 2014 to tap the market with seven seats, diesel engine and a sub Rs 10 lakh price tag.

We pit the Ertiga and Mobilio in a battle of specs to find the winner in this battle of these next generation entry-level MPVs.

Exterior

The Ertiga isn’t a conventional MPV like the Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo and Chevrolet Tavera that have traditional body-on-frame chassis. The seven-seater from Maruti has a monocoque chassis based on the extended Suzuki Swift platform. It looks like a bigger Ritz and that actually works to its advantage. The Ritz does not look like a fleet market vehicle adding to its appeal in the bigger Indian families.

Honda is using a very similar strategy for the upcoming Mobilio. The MPV is based on the same platform as the Brio and uses the same design philosophy from hatchback that is also seen on the Amaze sedan. The looks of the Mobilio are slightly more radical than that of the Ertiga, but it is a utility vehicle and looks are generally not the priority in taking a decision.

The Ertiga is a relatively small vehicle for an MVP less than 4.3 metres in length. The Mobilio,on the other hand, is bigger than the Chevrolet Enjoy at close to 4.4 metres. With the Honda badge, the Mobilio looks and feels more premium, although the design may not appeal to all buyers.

Interior

The Maruti Ertiga shares lots of components with the other cars in the line-up. The dashboard layout, switches and the rest of interiors are almost identical to that of the Swift. We don’t have too much to complain about the interiors, they seem ok for hatchback and even for an entry-level sedan like the Dzire, however, we were hoping for little plush interiors on the Ertiga.

The leg room in the second row is decent and with the third row seats folded, enough luggage can be thrown in at the back. The third row is very cramped, that space can be occupied by kids alone and that too when the travel time isn’t much. The boot space becomes negligible when the third bench is up, good enough to house two small bags at best.

Component sharing will be seen on the Mobilio as well, although the equipment might come from the City sedan and will have a premium feel. Like all Hondas, the cabin is beige in colour and that makes it look spacious and breezy. The front two rows are spacious enough and although the third row is still for childre, it is more spacious than the Ertiga. Also since the wheelbase of the Mobilio is larger than the Ertiga even the boot space is more than the Ertiga.

Engine

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is on sale in both petrol and diesel guise. The petrol version is powered by the 1.4-litre K-Series motor that produces 93bhp of power and 130Nm of torque. The oilburner is powered by the standard 1.3-litre Multijet diesel mill that belts out 90bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, both the engines are known for its refinement and good fuel economy.

The Mobilio will also be available in petrol and diesel trims, which will share the engine options with the Honda City. The 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine is good to produces 117bhp and 145Nm, while the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel churns out 98.6bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Both the engines are proven and potent, where the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol is known for its refinement and power, the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel is one of the most fuel efficient engines in the country.

If the Mobilio’s diesel variant promises to deliver a good fuel economy, the Ertiga still stands out with its CNG model. The company offers an original factory converter kit with i-GPI (intelligent Gas Port Injection) for LXi and VXi variants.

Price and comparison

Neither the Ertiga nor the Mobilio are genuine seven-seater vehicles, they are five-seaters with large boot space that can be occasionally used to ply seven. Their primary advantage is that they offer flexibility for large families and have extra seats in case of emergency.

Maruti Suzuki’s mainstay in the compact MPV segment, the Ertiga, is affordable, frugal and has an impressive ride quality. With component sharing, Maruti has managed to price it very competitively and that is where the Ertiga scores over the upcoming Honda rival.

The Mobilio, which will be launched in July, is primarily a bigger car and will command a premium over the Ertiga. It has a more powerful engine, better safety and a bigger features list compared to cars in the entry-level segment. The Honda product will certainly be a better option for people looking to spend on a family car, however, Maruti with its high resale value and VFM tag cannot be ignored.

Read our first drive of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga