Can Chevrolet’s upcoming Enjoy MPV take on the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Ertiga?

The 2012 Delhi Auto Expo was a living example of how car makers are shifting focus towards SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles). Here we pit two upcoming MPV’s that will likely stir up the Indian MPV segment; the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Chevrolet Enjoy.

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car maker, will launch its new MPV, Ertiga next month. Built on the new Swift’s platform this MPV has an extended wheelbase and is a 7-seater with very little luggage space. General Motors (GM) India, on the other hand will likely launch its upcoming MPV called the Enjoy around mid 2012.

Now, both these cars are yet to be launched and a full fledged comparison is only possible once we’ve driven both the cars. So here we compare the two MPVs in terms of performance, looks, space, comfort and features, based on what they seem to offer on paper!

Driving and handling

The Ertiga will be powered by a 1.4-litre K-series VTVT motor that puts out 94 bhp of power and 130 Nm of torque while the diesel will be powered by 1.3-litre DDiS that puts out 89 bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque. The ARAI-certified mileage for the Ertiga petrol is 16.02 kmpl and the diesel’s mileage is a claimed 20.77 kmpl.

The Enjoy MPV will come with a 1.4-litre petrol motor that puts out 102 bhp of power and 130 Nm of torque. The Enjoy diesel will likely be powered by a 1.3-litre XSDE motor which is GM’s version of the Fiat 1.3-litre Multijet engine. The engine puts out 77 bhp of power, 188 Nm of torque and gives a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.2 kmpl.

Based purely on engine specifications, both the MPVs seem to be on more or less the same plane. With regard to mileage, the Ertiga may have a mild edge over the Enjoy for it is slightly compact and may weigh less than the Enjoy. The Enjoy on the other hand has a slight edge as its suspension has been tuned by Lotus Engineering, and we really hope that it handles better than the Ertiga.

Space and Comfort

The Ertiga has comfortable first and middle row seats but the third row of seats will fit only little kids. With the third row seats occupied, there is very little space left for luggage at the back. However, the third row can be folded while the second row may come with a 60:40 split allowing you to carry more luggage. Ideally the Ertiga should be adequate for five adults and two kids with limited luggage.

Coming to the Chevrolet Enjoy; space will likely be more than in the Ertiga due to its slightly large dimensions. Besides, the Chevrolet MPV is expected to come with fully foldable second and third row seats which can also be removed completely.

Overall, the Enjoy may have an edge for it seems to offer more interior space than the Ertiga. We will tell you how they compare in terms of comfort as it depends on the upholstery and riding characteristics which are unknown at the moment.

Looks

The Ertiga is has its front design that largely resembles the new Swift and the Ritz. O the other hand, the Enjoy has a simplistic front with teardrop headlamps and simple grille design. The sides of both the MPVs are quite bland, but the shorter height of the Ertiga makes it looks sporty than the Enjoy. The rear design of the Ertiga has Honda Jazz-like tail lamps and a mildly sculpted boot door while the rear design of the Enjoy is quite plain like in a typical large MPV.

Looks are subjective, but the Ertiga’s car-like design and dimensions looks modern and may largely appeal to private buyers who like the Swift and the Ritz.

Features

The Ertiga ZDI, top-end diesel variant, which was showcased at the Maruti Suzuki’s stand at the Delhi Auto Expo had features such as SRS airbags, ABS, dual AC vents, music system with USB port and six speakers set, height adjustable drive seat,  tiltable steering, steering mounted audio controls, rear wiper, MID (multi information display) and electrically adjustable mirrors.

Though there are no concrete details available on the features in the Chevrolet MPV, we expect its top-end variant to come with similar equipments as the Ertiga.   However, some of the comfort features may not make into the equipment list if GM targets to launch the Enjoy at a price that undercuts the Ertiga.

Price, Mileage and overall VFM

Maruti cars are known for their affordable price and high mileage. The Ertiga too, will likely come with a competitive price range of Rs. 6 lakh –8 lakh. The ARAI-certified mileage for the Ertiga petrol is 16.02 kmpl and for the Ertiga diesel is 20.77 kmpl which are impressive figures and match with some of the premium hatchbacks available in the market.

The Enjoy too, is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 6 lakh – 8 lakh. Though there are no official mileage figures for the Enjoy, we feel it may have official mileage close to the Ertiga’s claimed mileage (16-20 kmpl).

To know which MPV is ‘value for money’ proposition, we have to wait for the pricing and features across the variants. If Maruti Suzuki plays its usual trump card prices the Ertiga competitively it may fetch more buyers than the Enjoy.

Pros and Cons

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Verdict

Maruti Suzuki wants to pioneer the new compact MPV segment. The Ertiga looks good,  has sufficient space, reasonable equipped and fuel-efficient engine. If priced aggressively, may attract premium hatchback buyers and large family buyers.

The Chevrolet Enjoy looks to be a promising MPV with simplistic looks and may offer more space than the Ertiga. But its success, largely depends on its features vies price and fuel efficiency.