The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Andy Sevilla
It’s my first time to drive a Suzuki Ertiga and the one that was sent to us was the new Ertiga Hybrid that is powered by a 1.5 liter petrol engine and a 12V lithium ion battery.
Being a hybrid means it is free from the coding system that resulted to a 7-day criss-crossing of Metro Manila roads for me and sometimes with the family in tow.
The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is a stylish 7-seater compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and the first hybrid MPV in the market as it was unveiled in the local market as early this year.
The Automobile Association of the Philippines had given it an impressive fuel rating of 12.54 km/l on city driving, but the one I drove (GLX AT-Hybrid) did an average of 11.2 km/l. I just did city driving since I avoided the mad dash to the provinces by millions of city dwellers for the yearly Undas celebration.
It can easily accommodate up to seven passengers and the seats can be reconfigured so that maximum comfort and space can be attained while at the same time, bags, gears and even equipment can be accommodated. Yes, the first and the second row had enough leg room, but the third row occupants would have problem since the space is a little bit cramp. Having it stowed would surely give a larger space for all the bags and equipment you can carry for out-of-town sorties.
Its new front grille conveys dynamic elegance and modernity while its aerodynamic and sleek flowing lines easily attracts onlookers. I like the design of the headlamps that are bigger and emits such a good illumination especially at night or driving on a rain. It is outfitted with practical functionality such as rear combination lamps, fog lamps, side mirrors with integrated signal lamps, tail gate designed with chrome accent and carried by 185/65 R15 tires with 15-inch 2-tone polished alloy wheels.
The interior features a stylish meter cluster, a D-shape steering wheel, multi-information display with 10-inch touch screen radio, keyless push start system and an automatic front air conditioner to ensure seamless driving. Yes, the Suzuki aircon is simply very good and very consistent even it is very hot outside.
It’s good that the new Ertiga Hybrid is equipped with the Engine Auto Stop Start System makes it possible for drivers to still save on fuel consumption despite the challenges of heavy traffic. To ensure maximum safety, it is complemented by the Electronic Stability Program, the SRS airbag system and the Anti-lock Braking System, especially during emergency braking situations.
Passengers’ safety is considered in every Ertiga Hybrid model that why the pedestrian injury mitigating body also gives protection to anyone from injuries in case of a collision with a pedestrian.
Overall, Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is such a good choice for a personal or family use. And at P1,093,000 retail price, this vehicle is a good option compared with the other brand’s model in the same category.