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Sometimes in life, we need to shop with a purpose. Usually during these periods, “pretty” goes out the window together with desire. It is all about your needs.

Imagine you get married and decide to have a kid. Nothing wrong with that. Then you find out you are pregnant with triplets! You’re like, “Lord, help me!” The school fees and diaper changes are causing you sleepless nights. As you should, you’re looking at billions and billions and billions…lol.

Now you’ll need a bigger and more practical car versus your cute city hatch. The new car must have lots of space. But aren’t these big family SUVs pricey? Yip! Your entry-level seven-seater, something like Nissan’s X-trail, will set you back over R400K. If you have the cash, Land Rover’s Discovery Sport has a seven-seat option too, at R700k +. Welcome to the world of needing a big family car.

So, your budget doesn’t allow for these options. What could you get? A used car? But you wanted new – you don’t want someone’s hand-me-downs.

Your budget is set at R250 000. What options are there? Not much I’m afraid. Thankfully, Suzuki has a new and improved Ertiga as a viable option. It’s better looking than its predecessor, which is a good thing. The previous generation looked like it needed some extra love in the design department. The new Ertiga, on the other hand, is bigger all-round and better in the looks department. There is a bold grille, a wagon-looking profile and tall vertical light clusters that resemble those of a Volvo. The Ertiga is neatly styled with cute alloy rims.

Styled like a wagon, the Ertiga has three rows of seats in a 2- 3- 2 formation. That means this little budget buster can seat seven. If you lower the third and second rows, as well as the front passenger seat there is a flat loading space of 2.820 metres. That’s basically a barn! Okay, I exaggerate. You could consider a side-hustle – using your Ertiga to transport the family and use it as a workhorse too. It can do it.

As part of the Eritga’s family convenient concept, there is air-conditioning both in the front, front cupholder (to keep your refreshments, fresh) and a rear ceiling-mounted unit for the last two rows of seats. Charging points have been included upfront and in the rear to keep the smart devices on full battery.

If this car is for you and your family, safety is key. All Ertiga models are equipped with two airbags for front passengers and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Suzuki has also added ISOFIX-approved seat anchors for child seats and a reverse parking sensor system for the GL model. Additionally, the Ertiga is compliant with the standards set by the European NCAP programme.

Driven in economic bliss by the brand’s newish 1.5-l motor. Punchy and happy in any of its 5-speed gears; the manual is easy to modulate, or if that’s not your vibe, there is also the option of a quick-shifting 4-speed automatic. Good for 77 kW at 6 000 rpm and 138 Nm at 4 400 rpm, you’ll sip a modest 6.5-l in an urban cycle or less if you hit the highway.

Competition is slim in this category. Together with its modest price, you would be hard-pressed to go wrong with the Ertiga. Just be realistic about your expectations though – this is a budget vehicle.

Plus +

• Multi-purpose capacity
• Value for money

Minus –

• Basic interior
• Fully loaded, the compact engine may struggle

The competition

Honda BR-V and Toyota Avanza

Pricing

Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GA MT R214 900

Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GL MT R239 000

Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GL AT R254 900

Service and warranty

Three versions of the Suzuki Ertiga will be available from launch. All three models are sold with Suzuki’s promotional 200 000km / five-year mechanical warranty and a four-year / 60 000km service plan.

My choice

Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GL MT R239 000

www.suzukiauto.co.za