In the busy streets of India, families are always looking for a car that fits their needs without breaking the bank. Maruti Suzuki has heard those calls and is bringing the Ertiga 2026 base model to make dreams come true. Starting at an ex-showroom price of just ₹8.80 lakh, this seven-seater MPV is set for a soft launch early next year. But the real buzz is in the easy payment plan: a down payment of only ₹1.25 lakh gets you behind the wheel, with monthly EMIs as low as ₹6,500 for 60 months at a friendly 8.5% interest rate. This means more money in your pocket for school fees or family trips, not just loan worries. Maruti knows how middle-class folks like us juggle budgets, so they have tied up with banks to offer this no-fuss finance option right at the showroom.
What Makes Ertiga 2026 a Smart Pick for Daily Drives
The new Ertiga keeps the simple charm that made its older versions a hit, but with small upgrades that count. Under the hood, it runs on a 1.5-litre petrol engine that gives smooth power for city traffic or long drives to grandma’s house. You can choose between a five-speed manual gearbox for that hands-on feel or a six-speed automatic for lazy Sundays. And for those watching fuel costs, the CNG option is back, promising up to 26 km per kg – perfect when petrol prices play hide and seek. Safety gets a big boost too, with six airbags as standard in all models, plus ABS and EBD to keep things steady on rainy roads. The body is tougher now, with better crash protection, so your loved ones stay safe without extra cost.
Space is where Ertiga shines like a star. At 4.4 metres long, it easily fits seven people, with foldable seats in the back row to load up groceries or cricket kits. The boot is roomy at 209 litres when full, and the wheelbase of 2.74 metres means no one feels cramped on family outings. Inside, you get a seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to play songs or navigate to the nearest dhaba. Rear AC vents keep kids cool, and the steering is light for easy parking in tight spots. Maruti has also added push-button start and cruise control in higher trims, but even the base LXi model feels loaded for the price.
Easy Finance: Breaking Down the Numbers
Wondering how that low EMI works? Maruti’s finance partners make it simple. Here’s a quick look at the base model costs:
| Item | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Ex-Showroom Price | 8,80,000 |
| On-Road Price (incl. RTO, Insurance) | 9,90,000 |
| Down Payment | 1,25,000 |
| Loan Amount | 8,65,000 |
| EMI (60 months @ 8.5%) | 6,500 |
This table shows how affordable it gets – no hidden fees, just straightforward math. If you pick the CNG variant, add ₹80,000 but save big on fuel runs. Waiting time might be 2-3 months due to high demand, so book early.
Why Ertiga Beats the Rest in 2026
Compared to rivals like Kia Carens or Toyota Rumion (which is basically a twin), Ertiga wins on cost and service network. Maruti’s 4,000+ workshops mean quick fixes anywhere from Delhi to Kerala. Running costs are low too – expect ₹4-5 per km on CNG, and service every 10,000 km costs under ₹5,000. Owners love how it handles potholes without a fuss, and resale value holds strong after five years. For taxi drivers or big families, it’s a no-brainer over pricier SUVs that guzzle fuel.
As we head into 2026, the Ertiga proves Maruti still gets what Indian families want: reliable wheels that don’t strain the wallet. With this launch, more homes will have a comfy ride for school runs, weddings, or just evening park visits. Head to your nearest Maruti Arena showroom to test drive and lock in that deal before prices nudge up. Your family’s next adventure starts here, simple and sweet.