The Suzuki Swift, New Zealand’s top-selling small car for seven years, is spawning spin-off concept and production variants.Both the Ertiga compact multi-people carrier (MPV) and XA Alpha concept SUV models are developments of the highly popular Swift.They were among several new Suzuki developments attracting attention at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi.
The models are being showcased by Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Indian automobile subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, highlighting the increased cooperation between Japan and the fast expanding Indian motor industry.Based on an extended Swift platform, the five-door Maruti Ertiga is scheduled to go into production later this year. It has a clean-looking front end, pronounced wheel arches and facia, all clearly reminiscent of the latest generation Swift.
But with its taller body – a generous 175 mm more than a standard Swift – and 175 mm increase in wheelbase, the Ertiga is a much larger vehicle, marking Maruti’s debut in the utility vehicle segment.With a 415 mm increase in overall length to 4,265 mm, this is a genuine seven-seater with a two-plus-three-plus-two seating arrangement.
The configuration of seats can be adjusted to free up luggage space by folding the last row and also the individual seats in the middle row of the black and beige finished interior.Suzuki will offer the Ertiga in India with the choice of the same 1.4-litre K14B twin overhead camshaft engine used in the current Swift and a 1.3-litre DDiS turbo diesel.
The car inherits its name from the alphabet “R” that represents “ROW” and “TIGA” that implies the digit “3” in Indonesian language, meaning a three-row car.Ertiga boast a rigid body and an extremely quiet cabin with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). A low drag body includes double sealing of the lower side panels and doors for reduced wind and road noise.Additional utility features such as cup holders, side pockets and storage bins add to the practicality of a vehicle that is sure to win favours.
Source: http://www.suzuki.co.nz/News/Automotive/2012/01/18/New+Suzuki+Models+Shine+