Quote:
Originally Posted by raj_5004 You are somewhat right in saying that I really really liked the Ertiga. Infact, I was desperately waiting for it's launch to replace my ageing Scorpio. |
Maybe the reason for your disappointment is the part in bold above. The Ertiga is in no way an SUV replacement. If someone thinks in that direction, disappointment is the only outcome. Heck, compared 1 to 1, it is not even a match for the Innova which is also an MUV. But look at the occasional versatility it provides for the average family and the huge price-saving over the Innova and you would know why it makes sense and why the surge of bookings for it.
Our current drive in Kerala is a Swift-Zxi which is just about good enough for me, wifey, my parents and my two kids aged 4years and 8months respectively. We even manage 1-2 day vacations in this car, inspite of the limited boot space, complete with all the stuff that is needed for an infant. Fast forward a couple of years when the kids grow up and that is when we would find the Swift to not fit our needs. And that is where the Ertiga scores for us. Would also help when either of my sisters come down with family and we have to go out together, instead of taking 2 cars out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by volkman10 Differ from your view. People buying Ertiga are really not looking for a 'true' 7 seater on a regular basis. Occasional use to accommodate 7 is the what makes Ertiga an attractive buy! |
Well said. And I have seen many such occasions when this type of a car would have been a great fit.
Occasion# 1 : Some 4years or more ago - a Kerala TBHP meet some 15kms from my home. Initially I was planning to just go with my wife and infant son in the Swift. Then my sis, her husband (a car freak) and 2year old kid joined. Since that would leave only my parents at home, we decided to have them also come along - the meet was at a highway restaurant and while I could spend time with the guys, for the others it could be an outing+lunch. So now we are 6 adults of medium build with the tallest being me at 170cms and a 2yr old kid and an infant. We thought of taking our M800 also, but my Dad won't agree - to him it is a pointless burning of fuel, just for one additional person (after discounting the kids). Since arguing would not have got me anywhere, we go in the Swift doing 'swalpa adjust maadi' - and I still remember the look on tbhp-ian
jkdas's face when one-by-one we got out of the Swift at the hotel. Put the Ertiga in this situation and see how it fits.
Occasion# 2 : A Vagamon trip is planned again with the same group (6 +2kids) above - Swift would not be enough this time since it is a long 220km 2-way drive and also overnight stay (luggage would be more). I decide to hire a self-drive Tavera, but at last minute, my BIL has to drop off due to some other issue and we go in the Swift. Would have been more comfy in the Eritga, and even without BIL joining.
Occasion# 3 : SIL was leaving for Australia after the last X'mas vacation and me/wifey/Son1/Son2 and in-laws were to drop her at TVM airport. While the car was good for 5 adults and 2 small kids, the luggage was an issue - finally we did manage, but in the Ertiga we could have just dumped it on the 3rd row seat & around it, without folding it down & compromising on seating space in 2nd row. So, instead of complaining about legroom going down in 2nd row due to 3rd row being down, I would just keep 3rd row upright and put luggage on the seat and small bags around it.
Many more instances could be put down, which would show why the average joe is so interested in this car. Many of us here can afford the Innova or an SUV, but while it would handle the above cases much better than the Ertiga, 90% of the time, it would just be a waste of fuel and road-space to lug it around for 1-2 people on board.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluengel180 salesguy says its not possible to completely remove the rear seat. and even if someone does i don't see how it will lead to increased second low legroom unless you plan to tinker with that too. |
The people who want to remove 3rd row seats will then keep the 2nd row at max-back so as to get the best legroom for both rows and a cavernous boot for luggage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Equus If one wants to sell an NHC and go for Etriga (&& move from Honda to MSIL), how will the experience be from fit and finish perspective? 
If I have to describe my Honda City in one word - it is diligent. Never once troubled in last 4.5 yrs once I got used to the lower GC. Offcourse I am very unhappy with the braking but thats that. It gives me min 13kmpl in city and upto 18kmpl in highways. Cant really ask for more in a under 9L car really..
Will MSIL match up?? |
Dont know what you mean by fit-and-finish (people mean different things with terms like fit, finish, build quality etc), but if interior quality is what is referred to, then the Honda would be better - my comparo being with say your NHC and my Baleno which can be called peers (both have updated versions available now). But if reference is to reliability (since you mention 4.5 years of no trouble), rest assured that the Suzuki will match up to it or better it. Same goes for FE, which would be matched by the Suzuki.