The new seven-seater Ertiga is what Suzuki calls a life-utility vehicle (LUV), but it is perhaps better known as a multipurpose vehicle.

The Ertiga comes to South Africa from India, with prices starting at R159 900.

Suzuki Auto South Africa (SASA) hopes the model will push up sales for the Japanese brand in South Africa, while also eating into the dominance of MPV segment leader, the Toyota Avanza.

The South African passenger car market is down 7.23% for the year to date end May, says SASA sales and marketing divisional manager André Venter. SASA sales, however, are up 18.3%.

Venter attributes this to many factors, including more aggressive marketing.

“We currently sell around 500 units a month on average. We expect to increase this with the Ertiga.”

Venter believes the Ertiga will find “huge market acceptance”.

The Avanza currently sells between 350 and 400 units a month.

“We aim to sell 150 Ertigas a month, which will make it one of the biggest models in our line-up,” says SASA sales and product planning manager Charl Grobler.

He adds that SASA is not only targeting the family market, but also the taxi market.

The Avanza is a popular taxi, especially in townships.

The Ertiga was launched in India and Indonesia in 2012. If it looks familiar, it is because it is based on the same platform as the Suzuki Swift compact hatchback.

The front-wheel drive Ertiga is powered by a 1.4 l petrol engine. Maximum power output is 70 kW at 6 000 rpm, with a torque peak of 130 Nm at 4 000 rpm.

SASA says fuel consumption is 6.6 l/100 km for a combined urban, freeway cycle.

The model range comprises five models, with a choice of three specification levels – GA, GL and GLX – and either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox on the GL and GLX derivatives.

The three seating rows in Ertiga can be configured from maximum seating space for seven, to two seating rows for a more generous luggage compartment, or both second and third seating rows folded down to create a large cargo area.

With all three seating rows in position, the luggage compartment offers 135 l of space, increasing to 482 l when the third seating row is folded flat, and 736 l when folding down the second seat row as well.

The second seat row can slide across a range of 240 mm, increasing legroom as required. The sliding function also eases access to the third seating row.

Dual front airbags are standard, together with three-point seat belts for the front, centre side and rear seating positions, and a two-point lap belt for the second-row centre seat.

Head restraints for the front seats are standard on GA models, while GL and GLX versions have head restraints for all seven seating positions.

Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution are also standard equipment.

The GA runs on 15-inch steel wheels with centre caps, while the exterior mirrors are manually adjustable.

Inside, the list of standard equipment includes a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, electric power steering, digital trip computer offering an odometer, trip meter, digital clock, fuel consumption display, and a range indicator.

Air conditioning is also standard.

One step up from the GA, the Ertiga GL has full wheel covers for the 15-inch steel wheels, colour-coded door handles and exterior mirrors – the latter with integrated turn indicators.

Inside, the interior is smarter, with a more comprehensive instrument binnacle with dual analogue dials for speed and rev count respectively, using the same digital trip computer.

This model also has a radio, CD, MP3, USB and WMA music system.

The GL model has a rear screen demister and wiper/wash system, while electric windows are standard in the front and rear.

Also included is remote central locking, while the air-conditioning system offers both front and rear controls.

The integrated immobiliser adds an alarm system.

The Ertiga GLX has spoked 15-inch alloy wheels and integrated fog lamps. Inside, the steering wheel is equipped with audio controls, while the trip computer adds an outside temperature display.

The upgraded audio system adds a pair of tweeters to the speaker complement.

The driver’s seat is also height adjustable.

All the models in the Ertiga range are supported by a three-year/100 000 km warranty, a four-year/60 000 km service plan, and a one-year roadside assistance package.

Service intervals are 15 000 km.