During its Philippine launch in January of this year, the second-generation Suzuki Ertiga was very well-received by motoring media, who applauded its much-improved exterior looks and interior amenities.
A seven-seater mini MPV, the 2019 Suzuki Ertiga is stylish and elegant, with well-placed character lines for a distinctive look. The all-new exterior features a taller and wider nose, a dynamic shoulder line, pronounced curves, refined chrome accents, and a more aerodynamic body.
The Ertiga is powered by a 1.5L multipoint injection engine that produces a maximum 103 hp at 6,000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, it gamely handled the climb to the summit of Mount Samat National Shrine, which has an elevation of about 545 meters. Front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspensions with coil springs along with its new, highly-rigid frame made for a smooth, comfortable ride with minimal body roll. Safety features such as anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags, rear parking sensors and a reverse camera add to driver confidence.
Riding comfort is an important consideration for long, out-of-town road trips, and the Ertiga does not lack for such amenities. The flexible 3-row seating can be adjusted to accommodate passenger and cargo needs. The aircon system includes vents and controls for the rear seats to keep all passengers cool even on the hottest summer day.
Tech geeks will appreciate the 12-volt accessory power outlets on both the first and second row consoles, enough to keep several mobile devices charged. The doors have built-in smartphone holders, while the front console also has a USB and aux-in port.
The top-of-the line GLX AT variant that we used for the road trip has a 10-inch touch panel multimedia audio system with control buttons conveniently located on the leather steering wheel. It also features an offline navigation system to help you find the best route to your destination, while Bluetooth connectivity allows you to safely answer phone calls or access your Spotify playlist for non-stop entertainment.
The Suzuki Ertiga is available in seven colors: pearl glorious brown, metallic magma gray, pearl burgundy red, prime cool black, metallic silky silver, pearl snow white, and pearl radiant red, the color of our Road Trip vehicle.
It is offered in four variants, namely: the base GA MT priced at Php 728,000; GL MT at Php 848,000; GL AT at Php 888,000; and the premium GLX AT at Php 978,000.