Suzuki PH Gives Ertiga a Nip and Tuck for 2020, Prices Top Out Still Below a Million Pesos

A few weeks before the official launch of its SUV-derivative, the XL7, Suzuki Auto Philippines has also managed to keep itself busy by also giving its Ertiga MPV a nip-and-tuck this 2020.

The changes are fairly minimal, limited only to a new design for its 15-inch alloy wheels (for the GLX). Inside, Suzuki’s dropped the beige-and-black interior for a more somber (but easier to maintain) all black one across the line-up. For those keeping score, yes, it’s the same one found in the once optional Ertiga Black Edition. Aside from that, the GL and GLX models get a center arm rest, while the GLX also gets automatic climate control.

Given how subtle these changes are, it’s no surprise that the price for the 2020 Ertiga is only up by P 5,000 across the line. Here’s how the Ertiga’s line-up looks like now:

• 2020 Ertiga GA M/T – P 743,000
• 2020 Ertiga GL M/T – P 863,000
• 2020 Ertiga GL A/T – P 903,000
• 2020 Ertiga GLX A/T – P 993,000

For now, dealers are still offering the pre-refreshed Ertiga, and if you are interested in scoring one of those, this is how they are priced:

• 2019 Ertiga GA M/T - P 738,000
• 2019 Ertiga GL M/T - P 858,000
• 2019 Ertiga GL A/T - P 898,000
• 2019 Ertiga GLX A/T - P 988,000

Suzuki Ertiga Scores 3 out 5 in Global NCAP Test

Suzuki’s 7-seater MPV, the Ertiga scored a passing 3 out of 5 stars for crash safety at the latest Global New Car Assessment or NCAP tests.

The model tested, a right-hand drive vehicle built for the Indian market and fitted with dual SRS airbags and anti-lock brakes scored 9.25 out 17 in adult protection, and 25.16 out of 49 in child occupant protection. Global NCAP said that head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. Chest protection for passenger was good, and driver chest received marginal protection.

That said, the passenger pretensioner failed to work properly, and the child occupant protection showed poor results (poor protection for head and chest) for the 18-month old dummy with the CRS (Child Restraint System) installed forward facing, while global best practice indicates a rearward facing position offers better protection for this age group. Global NCAP also noted that the Ertiga tested doesn’t offer three-point belts for all occupants.

Most concerning of all though, Global NCAP said that the Ertiga’s body structure, the HEARTECT platform is noted for its “borderline unstable performance which can and should be improved.” Because of this, the Ertiga’s footwell area was rated as unstable and pedals displacement showed risks to the lower legs of the driver.