Introduction
The Ertiga was introduced by Proton to compete in the small MPV segment against the likes of the Perodua Alza, Toyota Sienta, Avanza and the Grand Livina in the market.
The Ertiga is assembled in Proton's Tanjung Malim located at Perak with CKD packs supplied from Suzuki's plant in Indonesia. However the Ertiga has a high percentage of foreign content and currently only sports 15 per cent local content.
The Ertiga is available in three variants namely the Executive M/T priced at RM58,800
The Executive A/T - RM61,800 and the Executive Plus A/T - RM64,800
Specifications of the Ertiga :
- Price: RM58,800
- Engine: K14B 1.4-litre, Petrol
- Max power: 95 PS
- Max torque: 130 Nm
- Transmission: 5-Speed manual
- Fuel efficiency (observed): 21km/L
- Safety: Dual frontal airbags, ABS, EBD, and ISOFIX mounts.
- Origin: Assembled in Tanjung Malim, Perak
Exterior of the Ertiga
Measuring at 4,265mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,685mm tall with a wheelbase length of 2,740mm, there is very little difference between the Proton version and the original Suzuki. Besides the grille, the extra chrome bits and the bumpers, nothing much has changed.
In terms of size, the Ertigas dimensions are quite similiar to that of the Alza, but overall it is much bigger than the Toyota Avanza.
As far as the appearance is concerned, it would be safe to assumed that if you have seen a Suzuki Ertiga on road before chances are you would be seeing the Proton Ertiga as well as the Proton Ertiga is based Suzuki’s platform.
Interior of the Ertiga
Potential car buyers would be disapointed as the cabin is a dead ringer for that on the Suzuki. This is mainly because the interior looks similar in context to the interior found in the Suzuki Swift except for the Proton Logo at the steering wheel.
Rear passengers would be delighted to know that they would get their dose of cold air with roof-mounted multi-speed blowers. These blowers take in cold air from the front section of the cabin but get a dedicated cooling coil.
In terms of Comfort, the Ertiga passes with flying colours for a vehicle in its category.The noise, vibration, and harshness(NVH) level was quite decent as well even when the Ertiga was travelling at high speeds at the highway.
It is quite a letdown that eventhough the Ertiga offers decent level of comfort for its passenger, it fail in term of bells and whistles for the car as there isn’t much gadget to fiddle with in the car.
Driving-ability of the Ertiga
As the Ertiga is based on the Suzuki’s platform it is no surprise that the Ertiga drove with pleasing fluidity and excellent mechanical refinement. Even when cruising along the highway of speeds between 80km/h-90 km/h, the Ertiga felt smooth and largely poised.
The output figures are quite low for a moder day MPV with a 1.4 engine that produces only Hp. Despite the lack of output the Ertiga still manages an acceleration of 0km/h-100 km/h in 11.8 seconds for the manual and 0km/h-100km/h 13.9 seconds for the auto.
Eventhough the Ertiga is underpowered and had an increase in height, it impresses everyone as it stable even at speeds of about 150km/h on the highway.This is quite a remarkable feat for as most MPV would be quite wobbly when travelling around 120km/h-130km/h on the highway.
Fuel Economy of the Ertiga
In terms of fuel economy the Ertiga is able to accomplish 5.7 litres per 100 km for the manual variant and 6.0 litres per 100 km for the automatic variant.
Even with the hectic driving on Malaysian roads the Ertiga manages to achieve 6.2L/100km, which is quite a good figure by today’s standards for an MPV.
Overall it is safe to say that the Ertiga is an MPV that is value for money as it is well worth the RM60,000 you spend on it.
Summary
The Proton Ertiga is a decent proposition to consider for potential car buyers out there.
As it is an MPV that drives has good handling despite the increase in its height for its dimensions.
However it is quite a letdown that it lacks the basic safety feature such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which is available in most modern cars out there in the market.
Therefore if you’re a potential car buyer that is more focus on comfort and refinement other than the bells and whistles that comes in an MPV, then the Ertiga would be the MPV for you.
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