The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has transformed the Indian automotive market, proving that an MPV can be both practical and aspirational. Since its launch on April 16, 2012, it has redefined how Indian families choose their ideal vehicle.
Over the last 11 years and nine months, the Ertiga has crossed the remarkable milestone of one million units sold, a testament to its growing popularity. This success reflects shifting consumer preferences, where spaciousness, versatility, and affordability have become key priorities over traditional compact cars.
Table of Contents
Sales Performance
The Maruti Ertiga has shown an impressive sales trajectory. In the first 11 months of 2024, it sold 174,035 units, marking a 49% year-on-year growth from the 116,993 units sold in the same period in 2023. Despite challenges like supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainties, the Ertiga has maintained its dominance in the MPV segment.
Even more remarkable is that the Ertiga recently outsold Maruti Suzuki’s long-standing bestseller, the Wagon R, by 483 units. In 2023, the Wagon R had outsold the Ertiga by 71,333 units. This shift signals a broader trend in Indian car buying behavior—families now prioritize space, comfort, and practicality over compact hatchbacks.
Changing Market Dynamics
The Ertiga’s success is part of a larger transformation in the Indian auto market. Maruti Suzuki’s utility vehicle (UV) sales have grown by 26% year-on-year, increasing UVs’ share from 32% to 40% of overall passenger vehicle sales. Meanwhile, traditional sedans and compact cars have declined from 60% to 52% of total sales.
This shift is driven by urban families and young professionals who want a vehicle that can accommodate family trips, daily commuting, and weekend getaways. The Ertiga’s ability to meet these diverse needs has cemented its position as India’s best-selling MPV, ahead of competitors like the Kia Carens and Toyota Innova.
Design and Practicality
The Ertiga’s biggest strength is its clever space management. Despite being a seven-seater, it remains compact enough for city driving while offering a surprisingly roomy cabin. The elevated seating position and large windows provide excellent visibility, while well-calibrated controls ensure smooth handling in congested areas.
Its flexible seating layout allows easy reconfiguration to maximize cargo space or passenger comfort, making it an ideal choice for both daily urban use and long-distance travel. This blend of maneuverability and interior space is a key reason for its widespread appeal.
The Ertiga’s pricing strategy ensures affordability without compromising features. It is priced between ₹8.84 lakh and ₹13.13 lakh (ex-showroom), making it an accessible yet premium offering in the MPV segment.
The entry-level variants provide essential features at an attractive price, while higher-end models include premium offerings such as a touchscreen infotainment system, advanced safety features, and enhanced comfort options.
The CNG Advantage
Introduced in February 2020, the CNG variant has been a game-changer, especially in urban areas where fuel efficiency and environmental consciousness are growing concerns. It offers an impressive 26.11 km/kg mileage in CNG mode, reducing running costs and making it ideal for budget-conscious families.
The introduction of a CNG variant demonstrates Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to sustainability and addressing consumer needs in an era of rising fuel prices. The balance between fuel efficiency and affordability makes the Ertiga CNG an attractive choice for eco-conscious buyers.
Sales Milestones and Future Growth
The Ertiga’s sales growth over the years highlights its increasing market dominance. The journey to 200,000 units took 37 months, reflecting the market’s gradual acceptance of MPVs. It reached 400,000 units in 62 months, showing increasing confidence among buyers. The milestone of 700,000 units was achieved in 115 months, confirming its status as a market leader.
The most remarkable achievement is that the last 100,000 units were sold in just eight months, proving that demand for the Ertiga continues to surge. With 1.15 million units sold by November 2024, its momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
The Ertiga’s Future
Looking ahead, the Ertiga is expected to continue dominating the MPV market. Its formula of spacious design, affordability, strong fuel efficiency, and Maruti Suzuki’s reliability makes it a safe and future-proof investment for Indian families.
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has successfully redefined family transportation, proving that an MPV can be affordable, stylish, and packed with features. As consumer preferences evolve, the Ertiga remains a benchmark for practical and value-driven automotive excellence in India.
FAQs
What is the price range of the Maruti Ertiga?
The Maruti Ertiga is priced between ₹8.84 lakh and ₹13.13 lakh (ex-showroom).
How fuel-efficient is the Maruti Ertiga CNG variant?
The Ertiga CNG offers an impressive mileage of 26.11 km/kg.
Is the Ertiga suitable for city driving?
Yes, despite being a seven-seater, it is compact and easy to maneuver in urban areas.
What makes the Ertiga a top-selling MPV?
Its spacious design, affordability, strong fuel efficiency, and Maruti Suzuki’s reliability make it India’s best-selling MPV.
Has the Ertiga outsold other Maruti models?
Yes, in 2024, it outsold the Wagon R, showing its growing popularity.
