Just ahead of the all-new Maruti Ertiga MPV’s launch, India’s largest automaker has signed up Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan as its brand ambassador.
While Maruti has not specifically revealed whether Varun Dhawan would be endorsing the upcoming Ertiga, the automaker has indicated that the actor will endorse the Arena chain of Maruti dealerships through which the new MPV will be sold.
Varun Dhawan has been the brand ambassador for the Mahindra KUV100 micro SUV, and it remains to be seen if the Mahindra endorsement is still on. It’s unlikely though considering that Mahindra is a direct Maruti competitor, and brand endorsements of rival companies by the same person generally does not happen.
Varun Dhawan is the second Bollywood actor to endorse a Maruti Suzuki car presently. The other actor is Ranveer Singh, who endorses the Maruti Ciaz, and the NEXA chain of dealerships. Mr. Dhawan is likely to be in a similar arrangement, endorsing both the Arena dealership chain and the new Maruti Ertiga MPV.
The all-new Maruti Ertiga will be launched next month. Bookings for the second generation MPV are already being accepted by many Maruti dealerships across India. The MPV will be sold with petrol and diesel engines, both with mild hybrid powertrains to accompany.
While the petrol engine is a new, more powerful 1.5 liter K-Series unit with 104 PS and 138 Nm, the diesel motor is the tried and tested 1.3 liter Fiat Multijet turbocharged unit with 89 Bhp-200 Nm. Both engines will get 5 speed manual gearboxes as standard while the petrol motor will also get a 4 speed torque converter automatic option.
The all-new Ertiga gets new exterior styling and is also longer and wider than the previous model. The additional length and width are expected to make the cabin roomier even though the wheelbase remains unchanged. The monocoque bodied, front wheel driven MPV will continue to be a seven seater.
Apart from the new exteriors, the interiors of the MPV will also be totally new, with a much more classier dashboard layout. The Ertiga will retain beige trim for the insides, and new features such as the SmartPlay touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Keyless entry will be added.
Also Read: Varun Dhawan now endorses Maruti Suzuki: Ertiga in, Mahindra KUV100 out?