For most car owners, moving up from your starter hatchback/sedan to accommodate a growing family typically means moving to an MPV or SUV for more space, comfort and practicality.

However, besides entry-level models such as the Perodua Alza, most MPVs can become too large, especially if you have tight residential parking or prefer to drive a smaller vehicle daily instead of a large bread van. Not to mention, keep running costs low.

Here’s where a used Proton Ertiga aces. A superb exercise of simply forcing as many seats as possible between the confines of four wheels, the Ertiga will seat 6 passengers comfortably, squiggle through town with the agility of a hatchback, and go easy on your wallet. Have we got you interested yet? Let’s take a closer look.

Overview

Launched in 2016, the Proton Ertiga was born out of the much-hyped but short-lived partnership between Proton and Suzuki.

Also read: Goodbye Proton Ertiga, the budget MPV many forgot existed

Taking even it's name, the Proton/Suzuki Ertiga is based on a modified platform of the Suzuki Swift, and even shares its powertrain.

Besides different logos and some styling tweaks at the front, the main difference between the Suzuki and Proton version is the 6-seater configuration, versus 7 in the Suzuki.

This was because the Suzuki Ertiga donor vehicle lacked a central 3-point seatbelt in the second-row, which is a Malaysian regulatory requirement, so Proton just scrapped it altogether.

Offered in three variants the entry-level Executive manual variant started at RM 58,800 and the automatic model at RM 61,800. The range-topping Executive Plus auto was priced at RM 64,800.

The B-Segment Proton Ertiga offers a no-frills approach to the MPV segment. It measures 4,265 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, and 1,685 mm tall, making it smaller than the C-Segment Proton Exora. When compared to its closest rival, the Alza, the Ertiga is a tad shorter in overall length and wheelbase, but identical in width.

Power is derived from a 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that makes 92 PS and 130 Nm, paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

The Ertiga achieves an impressive fuel consumption of 5.7-litre/100 km with the manual transmission and 6.0-litre/100 km with the automatic transmission, making it Proton's first compact MPV to receive Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) certification.

On the inside, the dashboard is pretty much identical to the Indonesian Ertiga minus the Proton logo on the steering wheel.

The Proton Ertiga's compact size limits the boot space to 135 litres with all seats up, folding the 50:50-split third row expands the cargo area to 400 litres. Additionally, the second row can be folded in a 60:40 configuration for further storage capacity. The second-row seats can additionally be slid fore and aft by up to 240 mm.

Safety kit included ABS and 2 airbags as standard, and no stability control, which is pretty much par the course for the segment in period.

Alas, as good as it was, sales of the Ertiga was short lived, with Proton eventually merging with Geely as its technical partner, the Ertiga was retired in 2019, having sold a bit more than 300 units in its last year of production.

The variant to buy and how much to pay

Used examples of the Ertiga start at just above RM 35k for early 2017 units and rise to RM 45k for 2019 units depending on age and condition.

Also read: Used Proton Persona (CM) - Robust and practical starter family sedan from just RM 15k

Given safety equipment is the same across all variants, picking between variants pretty much comes down to the transmission and creature comforts between the Executive and Executive Plus variants.

With that said, besides the Executive Plus' height-adjustable driver seat, power folding side mirrors and steering wheel audio controls, the rest aren't much to write home about, so instead, put your money towards getting a well maintained, low-mileage unit.

What to look out for

Ertigas are known to be hardy and very reliable if maintained properly, and quite a number of them are used for e-hailing service.

It doesn't require any specialist repairs and given it shares the same powertrain as the Suzuki Swift, most maintenance parts are easily sourced, and cheaper OEM replacement parts are available too.

Also read: The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid just launched in Indonesia and already accounts for over 70% of Ertiga bookings

However, do note that certain original parts, such as engine mounts, the timing chain tensioner kit, absorbers and driveshafts will cost more than equivalent original parts for say, a Perodua Alza, but you're paying for the quality as well.

Besides sourcing a unit with a comprehensive service history, here are a few common issues seen in higher mileage Ertigas that prospective buyers should look out for:

Pay close attention to the overall condition exterior and interior condition, especially the seats. Given its light-tan colour, staining shows up easily.

Additionally, check under the hood for oil/coolant leaks, and finally, test drive the vehicle.

Also read: Used Kia Picanto (TA) for under RM 25k, common issues and repairs?

Or, why not skip the hassle and shop at Carsome? These Carsome Certified Proton Ertiga units on sale are meticulously inspected and offered with a 1-year warranty and a 5-day money-back guarantee.

Also read: Used Honda Civic FB for under RM 65k Newer and better than the Civic FD, how much to maintain and repair?

If you are looking for something else, be sure to check out other great deals on Carsome, which are offered with exclusive discounts of up to RM 8,000, free service and warranty packages, and attractive interest rates for a limited time only.

Download the Carsome App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and start browsing today.