FIRST, THE ESSENTIALS
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
Price (Ex-showroom, Mum) Rs 5.89 - 8.45 Lakh
ENGINE 1373cc, I-4, Petrol/ 1248cc, I-4, diesel
94 bhp@6000 rpm/ 89 bhp@4000 rpm
13.25 kgm@4000 rpm / 20.39 kgm@ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual
DIMENSIONS in mm (L/W/H) 4265/1695/1685
WHEELBASE 2740 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE 185 mm
KERB WEIGHT 1160 – 1235 kg
Renault Duster
Price (Ex-showroom, Mum) Rs 7.41- 11.61 Lakh
ENGINE 1598cc, I-4, Petrol/ 1461cc, I-4, Diesel
102.5 bhp@5850 rpm/ 83.8bhp@3750 rpm/ 108.4 bhp@3900 rpm
14.78 kgm@3750 rpm/ 20.4 kgm@1900 rpm/ 25.28 kgm@2250 rpm
TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual/ 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS in mm (L/W/H) 4315/1822/1695
WHEELBASE 2673 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE 205 mm
KERB WEIGHT 1158 – 1308 kg
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THIS CAR?
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
That you’ve made the sensible decision for your growing family. The hatchback isn’t cutting it anymore, so you went ahead and got something the whole family can travel in. What’s more, you can even fit it in your parking space! It’s also going to come in handy for those impromptu road trips you’re used to taking.
Renault Duster
That you’ve finally found the right vehicle to keep up with your active lifestyle. It’s only front wheel driven, but it’s still pretty capable. So what if it seats only five people? It’s got more than enough room for all their luggage too. It’s got all the features you need and it looks good enough to pull up to a nice restaurant in.
WHAT ARE YOUR FRIENDS GOING TO SAY BEHIND YOUR BACK ABOUT THIS CAR?
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
That you are delusional if you think they’re going to cram themselves in the last row for anything longer than an ice cream run. Sure, your whole family fits in it, but your kids are growing fast and, pretty soon, they won’t like being relegated to the last row. It’s a people carrier alright, but what about their luggage? And why didn’t you buy something imposing instead? Like an SUV.
Renault Duster
That you’re paying all that money for only five seats! If you had any sense left, you’d have bought something that you can take all of them in! Oh, and maybe your family too. Considering the only adventure in your lifestyle was fighting for parking space at the local mall, you could have just got yourself a small hatchback to do the exact same thing.
IS IT A CAR TO DRIVE OR BE DRIVEN IN?
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
You can do a bit of both in this. The new 1.4-litre K-Series engine loves to be revved and the 1.3-litre MultiJet is a smooth, relaxed performer. Its dimensions lend it very pleasing dynamics, too, so, come to think of it, you’re better off behind the wheel. If you do choose to be driven around though, stick to the middle row of seats.
Renault Duster
This one’s definitely one to drive yourself, especially considering the rear quarter isn’t exactly the most comfortable place to be. The 108 bhp version is quite the sprightly performer and with car-like dynamics, you can have some proper fun in the driver’s seat. If you do decide to be driven around though, there’s a lower power 83 bhp diesel version which might be easier on the pocket.
WHAT WILL YOUR NEIGHBOURS THINK OF YOU WHEN YOU BUY IT?
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
That you’ve just got one of those new, large hatchbacks, but really, they’re just happy you’re not cutting into their parking space. It’s only when they poke their heads in that they’ll realise it’s a seven seater and that you’ve suddenly become a responsible family head.
Renault Duster
That the logo on the grille looks very familiar to them. Thoughts of you starting a fleet taxi business will cross their minds, but they will quickly reconsider this view after taking a glance at the rear seats. They’ll be keeping you in mind if they’re ever moving house, that’s for sure!
