2020 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Cross spied testing in camouflage

Tuhin Guha Updated: August 14, 2019, 03:55 PM IST

As these spy images suggest, Maruti Suzuki seems to be working on a high-end, SUV-inspired version of the popular Maruti Suzuki Ertiga MPV. The new model could be called the Ertiga Cross and will likely be sold via the Nexa chain of premium sales and service outlets.

Maruti Suzuki seems to have heavily revised the front-end styling of the Ertiga to meet this more aggressive brief. The front is dominated by a larger, upright two-part grille, to accommodate which the bonnet line has shifted higher too. The headlamps also seem larger and sharply cut to match the new grille. The front bumper also seems new, with its larger air dam and big fog lamp housings.

Other than this, the Ertiga Cross seems largely unchanged in profile except for new roof rails. Although unseen here, the rear can be expected to sport slightly reworked tail lamps and a new bumper. No pictures are available of the interior, but we expect an all-black theme with possible contrasting accents. There should also be more equipment on offer and a six-seat layout.

The Ertiga Cross will most likely remain mechanically unchanged. It should come with Maruti Suzuki's 1.5-litre petrol motor with 105PS/ 138Nm and the smart hybrid set-up. A diesel seems unlikely given Maruti Suzuki's decision to cut diesel from its line-up once BSVI norms kick in. But if the Ertiga Cross makes it to showrooms before April 2020, the 1.5-litre diesel could make its way here too.

We expect the Ertiga Cross to be about a lakh more than the regular top-spec Ertiga. This Ertiga could be a good way for Maruti Suzuki to cash in on the SUV buzz, given its limited presence in the larger SUV segments.

Also see: The new Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a matured people-carrier | First Drive Review