The Suzuki Ertiga has become one of the local multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market’s more popular models, silently trotting behind the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Toyota Avanza. And now that the Philippine arm of the Japanese carmaker brought the updated, hybrid version of the Ertiga to the country, there’s no doubt that the nameplate can further grow its already solid customer base.
But what exactly did Suzuki change with the Ertiga aside from its powertrain? We’ll answer that in this article. So, join us as we spot the differences between the old and the new Suzuki Ertiga.
The old, non-hybrid variant of the Suzuki Ertiga donned quite a modern design. At its fore is a stylish chrome grille bordered by halogen headlamps and halogen fog lamps. To its side are body-mounted turn signals, body-colored door handles, body-colored side mirrors, and a set of 15-inch tires. Its rear is bedecked with a pair of aggressive-looking LED taillamps, two reflectors on each side, and a third brake lamp mounted on its cute and conspicuous spoiler.
As for the new Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid, the carmaker opted to equip its range-topping variant with a new chrome grille flanked by automatic halogen-projector and multi-reflector headlamps and front fog lamps. And while it still retains the body-colored sider mirrors, the turn signals are now integrated into it. For kicks, it wears 15-inch polished alloy wheels. At the back are still the same exterior appointments but with the addition of a thin chrome trim placed at the center of the tailgate.
Since both models look virtually identical, we’ll call this round a tie.
Drivers hopping aboard the old Suzuki Ertiga will be greeted by fabric seats, a urethane steering wheel, and a dashboard with plenty of hard — but easy-to-maintain — plastics. Past the steering wheel is an instrument cluster with a combination of digital and analog gauges with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system sitting at the center of the dash.
Some notable features of the old Suzuki Ertiga MPV include rear air conditioning vents, a second-row seat armrest, and a single 12-volt (V) socket.
On the other hand, the top-of-the-line Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid comes with a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel that has audio controls. Past it is an updated instrument cluster to show the driver relevant data relating to its hybrid powertrain system. Further, Suzuki brought back the wood trims for the Ertiga Hybrid’s dashboard. Here sits a larger 10-inch infotainment unit.
Like the non-hybrid model though, the Ertiga Hybrid gets rear A/C vents, second-row seat armrests, and a solitary 12V outlet.
With subtle — but still noticeable — interior updates, we’re going to have to give this round to the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid. I mean, who could say no to those faux wood appliques?
Under the hood of the full ICE-powered Suzuki Ertiga is a 1.5-liter KB15 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. This setup makes 103 horsepower (hp) with 138Nm of torque.
Suzuki, for the Ertiga Hybrid, uses the same powerplant but paired it with an integrated starter generator (ISG). The ISG adds 3.1hp to what the KB15 engine makes as well as 50 additional Nm of pulling power. In total, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid makes 106 horses and a little over 140Nm.
With slightly more power and fuel-efficient acceleration, this round goes to the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid.
The old Suzuki Ertiga is equipped with basic, yet important, safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and rear parking sensors.
Likewise, the new Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid comes with similar features but with the addition of a much-needed rear camera.
With a new rear camera, we’ll have to go yet again with the new Suzuki Ertga Hybrid.
Suzuki already took down the non-hybrid variant of the Ertiga on its website, which leaves only the Ertiga Hybrid and the APV as the choice for visiting customers browsing for an MPV.
That said the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is currently offered in four variants. Below are the pricing of the four trims:
Suzuki Ertiga GA MT Hybrid – P954,000
Suzuki Ertiga GL MT Hybrid – P1.068 million
Suzuki Ertiga GL AT Hybrid – P1.103 million
Suzuki Ertiga GLX AT Hybrid – P1.153 million
The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid wins the battle between the old against the new without question. And while the updates to the MPV’s exterior, interior, and safety features are minimal, driving a slightly powerful and eco-friendly vehicle is definitely worth the switch.
For those still eyeing the fully ICE-equipped model, here’s a link where you can check out our second-hand Ertiga listings.
Photos from Ruben Manahan IV and Suzuki Philippines
Also read:
Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: The 4 variants
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