Proton has just unveiled the new Ertiga, a new compact MPV that is a rebadged Suzuki Ertiga. The new Proton Ertiga will be available in three trim levels. Earlier this year, Proton launched the new Perdana, Persona and Saga, a remarkable amount of cars for a company that used to launch one car a year.
For starters, the Suzuki Ertiga has been around since 2012, been introduced to various markets around the globe, including Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and India. In fact, we spotted the Suzuki Ertiga during our trip to the 2015 Bangkok International Motor Show.
Underneath the Proton Ertiga is a stretched second-generation (ZC72/82) Suzuki Swift platform, with a 4,265 mm length, 1,695 mm width and a 1,685 mm height. According to Proton, the wheelbase of the Ertiga is 2,740 mm, just 10 mm shorter than its closest rival, the Perodua Alza. Would the Ertiga threaten its bigger sibling, the Exora? Unlikely, as the Exora is larger in every sense than the Ertiga.
Powering the new Proton Ertiga is Suzuki’s tried and tested 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder K14B petrol engine that does 92 PS and 130 Nm. Barely earth shattering figures, but the Ertiga allows Proton to get its first ever EEV certification. Proton will be offering the Ertiga with the choice of two transmissions, a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual across 3 trim levels.
Speaking of trim levels, the Ertiga can be had in Executive (MT), Executive (AT) and Executive Plus (AT). For all variants, ABS, EBD and two airbags comes as standard fitment, on top of ISOFIX anchor points plus side impact beams. Outside, all variants will get halogen headlights, front fog lights with a centrally-mounted rear foglight, 15-inch alloy wheels all round, power-adjustable side mirrors and reverse sensors. As for the cockpit, all models get a regular CD player system with USB connectivity. Long distance travelling is made more comfortable thanks to rear air-conditioning vents and an extra 12V power for the rear.
Those who opt for the Executive Plus variant will get chrome treatment on the front foglight covers. The turn signal also moves from the fender to the side mirrors, which are now power folding. Inside, the Executive Plus gets steering-mounted audio controls, six speakers in total (Executive gets 4) and a driver seat with height adjustment.
In terms of price, Proton says that the new Ertiga will have a starting price of RM58,000 for the Executive MT, RM61,800 for the Executive AT and the range-topping Executive Plus AT for RM64,800. The Ertiga can be had in four colours, namely Ruby Red, Carnelian Brown, Cotton White and Metal Grey.
