Honda City vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Comparing Their Variants Under Rs 13 Lakh for Family-focused Car Buyers

As a family man, you consider only the best family cars, or top family cars in India when deciding on which one to buy. Today, let’s look at the Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and find out what makes them family-friendly car models in India.

In this article, we will share

• What family-focused buyers look for in a car
• Honda City vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – a detailed analysis of their features, space, and safety
• How to pick the right car for you

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a Family-focused car buyer looks for in a car

Here’s what a family-focused buyer should look for in car:

• Safety – A car must have essential safety features, and a good safety rating
• Space and comfort – The car must have ample space to accommodate all family members, and must include convenience features like rear AC vents
• Ride and handling – The car’s ride and handling need to be good

For a family-focused car buyer, safety is paramount. Space, ergonomics, and comfort play significant roles to ensure pleasant family trips. 

The car should offer ample boot capacity for luggage, spacious legroom, and headroom for all passengers. Other essential features include airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, and child safety locks. 

Equally important is a stable driving experience, especially at high speeds. Additional conveniences like rear AC vents, touchscreen infotainment systems, and easy connectivity options further enhance the family travel experience.

Why Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are Popular

Both the Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga have established reputations in the Indian market. Honda City, with its refined design, offers a perfect blend of style and functionality. Its impressive safety features, combined with ample space and a comfortable interior, make it a favorite among urban families. 

On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga stands out as a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) designed to accommodate larger families. Its seven-seater capacity ensures everyone has a seat, making it perfect for extended family outings. The Ertiga’s versatile nature, where seats can be folded to increase luggage space, and its robust built quality, adds to its popularity. 

Both cars cater to the safety and convenience that family-focused buyers prioritize, making them top choices in their respective categories.

Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Variants Shortlist in Rs 10-13 Lakh Range

For Honda City, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 12 September 2023
SV	₹1,149,000
V	₹1,237,000

For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 12 September 2023
ZXI	₹1,088,000
VXI AT	₹1,128,000
ZXI AT	₹1,238,000

Honda City SV

At ₹1,149,000, this variant offers a comprehensive package of safety with 4 airbags, ABS, and a GNCAP rating of 4. The 506-liter boot capacity ensures adequate space for family luggage, while the spacious interior with 840mm legroom ensures comfort. Essential features like rear AC vents and rear parking sensors enhance convenience. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the City with Skoda Slavia.

Honda City V

Priced slightly higher at ₹1,237,000, it mirrors the SV in most features. It’s a suitable choice for those willing to pay a bit extra for the brand’s reputation and assured quality. We also have our comparison of the City with Hyundai Verna for style-conscious car buyers.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI

This variant, priced at ₹1,088,000, is an excellent choice for larger families. With a seven-seater capacity, it still provides a decent boot space of 209 liters. While it offers only 2 airbags, it compensates with other safety features like ABS and ESC.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI AT

The automatic version of the Ertiga, priced at ₹1,128,000, offers comfort for those who prefer an automated driving experience, especially in city conditions. Its features largely mirror the ZXI variant. You can also check out our comparison of the Ertiga with Kia Carens for family-focused buyers.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI AT

At ₹1,238,000, it combines the best of both worlds – automatic transmission and top-tier features. It matches the ZXI in most attributes but offers better connectivity with touchscreen navigation.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga for Family-focused car buyers

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI stands out as the best variant for a family-focused buyer. Its seven-seater design ensures space for everyone, while the 209-liter boot capacity is decent enough for family getaways. 

The stability at high speeds, combined with essential safety features like ABS, makes it a secure choice. The car also offers vital family conveniences like rear AC vents and power windows both at the front and back. 

Its price point makes it an attractive proposition, offering the best value for money in terms of space, safety, and comfort. In short, it is the right car on this list for a family man.

The Top 3 choices

1. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI
2. Honda City SV
3. Honda City V

Attribute	Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI	Honda City SV	Honda City V
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags (number)	2	4	4
Boot capacity (liters)	209	506	506
ESC	Yes	Yes	Yes
GNCAP Rating	3	4	4
Ground clearance (mm)	185	165	165
Legroom (mm)	1070	840	840
Rear AC vents	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction Control	No	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI: A perfect blend of space, safety, and affordability. Ideal for larger families and those who often travel with extended family or friends.
• Honda City SV: With superior safety features, ample boot space, and comfort-centric design, it’s perfect for urban families who prioritize safety and comfort.
• Honda City V: A slightly upgraded version of the SV, it’s for those who want an extra touch of luxury and are willing to pay a premium for it.

In summary, while each variant has its unique appeal, these three choices stand out for offering the best mix of safety, space, and value, essential for family-focused buyers.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered