Maruti Suzuki likely to Launch Facelift Ertiga by October 10.

After its launch in April 2012, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga hasn't received any face-lift. With the rising competition in the compact MPV space, it has become necessary for the Indo-Japanese car-maker to refresh it. 

The updated Maruti Suzuki Ertiga which is rumored to be in showrooms by October 10, 2015. The leaked pamphlet suggests that the new Maruti Ertiga will come with a seat belt reminder buzzer and driver airbag as standard. New L(O) and Z+ variants is also part of the lineup which includes LXi/LDi, VXi/VDi and ZXi/ZDi.

The updated version of the seven-seater MUV gets tweaks both to the exterior and interior and its diesel engine will also get the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) micro-hybrid system that was recently launched with the Ciaz hybrid. The SHVS will help the Ertiga face-lift return better fuel efficiency than the present models.

The most noteworthy changes given to the 2015 Ertiga face-lift are up front. The front of the vehicle looks slightly bolder with a new triple-slat chrome grille with revised air dam, revamped radiator grille, new bumper, fog lamp enclosures with chrome bezels, etc. Other styling elements are - 10-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, revised tail-lamp cluster with new reflector elements, new bumper and a thick chrome garnish on the license plate.

The company has updated the vehicle's cabin too with dual-tone finished dashboard, brown seat fabric, steering wheel with silver inserts, etc. The 2015 Ertiga also features electrically-adjustable outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs), third row seats with 50:50 split, driver & front passenger airbags, one push power up driver-side window, etc.

Hyundai to launch Grand i10 next month

Hyundai Motor India, the second-largest car manufacturer in the country, is beefing up its small car portfolio with a slew of new models to take on market leader Maruti Suzuki. 

Hyundai has lined up 8-10 launches in the next three to four years. It will drive in a sub-4 metre sedan in the second half of 2014, followed by a multi-purpose vehicle to take on Maruti's Ertiga and a compact SUV positioned between Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster in 2015-16. It's also exploring the potential to launch its flagship saloon Genesis in India.

The company is planning to launch new Eon 1.1 litre, which will be pitted against Maruti’s Alto K10. 

The company launched Eon in October 2011 and currently offers 814cc gasoline engine. 

In the last financial year, Alto sold roughly around 20,000 units a month, while Eon sales averaged around 7,000-8,000 units a month. 

The company will also launch its small car Grand i10 (referred to as the BA until now) in September this year, which is expected to compete with Maruti’s Swift. Grand i10 is a completely new car and will be positioned between i10 and i20. It will be manufactured at the company’s Chennai plant. 

As far as pricing goes, expect significant pricing overlap with both the i10 and i20. Expect the base petrol to start around the Rs 4.5 lakh mark, with the diesel Grand i10 priced at Rs 5.5 lakh.

“The Grand i10 has been positioned above the existing i10 and is targeted at the emerging compact high-entry segment,” the company said. 

Grand i10 will come with two engine variants -- 1.1 litre U2 diesel and 1.2 litre Kappa petrol. 

Even though the passenger car segment declined 10% this fiscal, experts feel that a new launch will bring excitement in the market. 

“Bringing a new product in the segment definitely creates a pull. In terms of product strategy, Hyundai is good at hitting the right area. They offer what Indians want. They were a bit weak on the diesel engine front, but the company will surely benefit with the new diesel engine offering,” said Puneet Gupta, associate director, IHS Automotive.  

Hyundai India reportedly is planning to launch up to four new models in the next two years, including a compact SUV and compact sedan.