Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MUV named Family Car of the Year 2012

The compact MUV, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which was launched in April this year, has bagged the coveted “Family Car of the Year 2012” award by BBC TopGear India, which is the countries leading automobile publication. The car having 3-row seating configuration in a compact overall design, was chosen for the title as it created a new “compact MPV” segment in the auto industry. CV Raman, Executive Director (Engineering), Maruti Suzuki India received the award presented by S Sandilya, President, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Ever since its launch, the Ertiga has been highly appreciated for its compact design, high level of fuel efficiency and light control, which altogether makes the compact utility vehicle an ideal family car. Its launch marked the entry of India's trusted car maker Maruti Suzuki into the utility vehicle segment in Indian auto industry. Apart from expanding the company's vehicle portfolio in the country, Ertiga also gave way to the concept of new compact utility vehicle.

BBC Topgear India magazine on Ertiga's distinctive characteristic notes, "It is Ertiga's compact dimensions, light control and fuel efficient and adequately powered engines that endear it to the family-focussed buyer."

Ertiga houses Maruti's next generation 1.4 litre K-series VVT petrol engine capable of churning out a power as high as 93.7 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Ertiga is the first vehicle from the stables of Maruti to have been powered by this highly fuel efficient powertrain. The Ertiga, despite being a compact vehicle, can easily accommodate 7 people (2+3+2) and still have enough space for a lot of baggage.

Top Gear magazine on choosing Ertiga for the award comments, "Even though the Ertiga is completely different from anything that has ever come out of Maruti, it remains true to Maruti's core values. It's relatively easy on the wallet, comes with a great set of diesel and petrol engines and most importantly, carries the reassurance of Maruti's extensive service network. That's why it's a super hit already and our Family Car of the Year."