Proton Ertiga

Proton Ertiga Overview

The Proton Ertiga is a 4 door, 6-seater B-segment family MPV first introduced to the Malaysian market in 2016. It is the first model out of multiple planned collaboration between Suzuki and Malaysia in hope of a more sustainable future for both companies, up until Geely comes into the picture. Essentially a rebadged Suzuki where it is fully assembled in Malaysia and shares almost all of its mechanical parts with the Japanese manufacturer up to the name Ertiga.  

During its short-lived Malaysian introduction before its abrupt end in 2019, the 3 variants on offer are the Proton Ertiga 1.4 Executive MT, Proton Ertiga 1.4 Executive AT and the Proton Ertiga 1.4 Executive Plus AT. It is the second MPV to ever join Proton’s line up after the Proton Exora, promising a no-frills alternative to families looking for a compact people carrier at a low entry cost.

Competitions for the Proton Ertiga include the likes of the Perodua Alza, Honda BR-V, Toyota Sienta and the Toyota Avanza. Competitively priced starting from RM 56,773, it is well positioned within the market and aimed squarely at the highly demanded Perodua Alza. The closest foreign competitors have at least a 50% premium on the price.

Proton Ertiga Design

Although based on the Suzuki Swift, it bears little resemblance apart from looking like a stretched and squeezed version of the Japanese hatchback. Proton has given its Japanese twin a facial reconstruction with a friendlier looking front end with wider chrome grill while retaining the Swift-style swept back headlights.

Proton Ertiga Dimension

Compared to its closest competitor, the differences are marginal where the Ertiga is 5 mm shorter, 65 mm taller and 10mm shorter on wheelbase than the Perodua Alza. With a boot space of 135L expandable up to 400L with the third-row seat folded, it trumps the Perodua Alza’s mere 83L.

Proton Ertiga Interior

The interior has been carried over entirely from its Suzuki twin with the exception of the proton badge. Beige colour dominates the interior theme of the car, from the roof lining, center console, door panel, fabric seats and all the way to the floor carpet. It serves to brighten up the interior and gives that airy and spacious feeling. Extensive use of hard plastics is evident and is expected in the vehicle of this class.

The Proton Ertiga is designed with efficiency in mind, that means a smart and efficient use of limited space available. Third row seat is easily accessible with a convenient lever to tumble the secod row seat. A second-row air conditioning unit is a welcoming touch and essential for the Malaysian hot climate.

Proton Ertiga Features

Malaysian Proton Ertiga is officially classified as a 6-seater despite having space for 7. Reason being the Proton Ertiga lacked three-point seat belt in the middle seat of the second row, which uses only a lap belt. Malaysian regulations require all seats in a passenger car to come with three-point seat belts.

Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touchscreen head unit with radio, DVD player, Bluetooth, music and video player, a USB outlet, two 12V power socket and power windows.

In terms of safety, the Proton Ertiga is rated 4 Star in the ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating with dual airbags and without stability control. ABS with EBD however is available and ISOFIX for car child seat is available on the second row, essential for the targeted audience of young families.

Proton Ertiga Driving Performance

Engine

Powering the 6-seater is a K14B 1.4-Litre naturally aspirated DOHC VVT petrol engine carried over directly from Suzuki, producing 92 PS at 6,000 rpm and 130 Nm at 4000 rpm. Top speed is 155km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 11.8 seconds for the MT variant and 13.9 seconds for the AT variant.

Transmission

Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-speed automatic transmission for the MT and AT variant respectively.

Proton Ertiga Ride Comfort

The ride can best be described as pliant and comfortable. Based entirely on the already impressive Suzuki Swift platform, the Proton Ertiga deals with bumps with ease and are able to tackle corner with confidence. Decent NVH level paired with the comfortable fabric seat further enhance the driving experience of the car.

Proton Ertiga Fuel Consumption

Official rated economy is 5.7L/100KM for the MT variant and 6.0L/100KM for the AT variant. The Proton Ertiga is the first car in Proton’s line up to achieve the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) certification, and the first compact MPV in Malaysia to do so.

Proton Ertiga Conclusion

This is not the first rebadging exercise conducted under Proton, but it could well be the least popular badge engineering that Proton has done, considering previous collaborations with Mitsubishi and Honda were well accepted by the Malaysian market. While there was a lot of hype when the Suzuki-Proton collaboration was first announced, the market reception for the Proton Ertiga falls short of expectation. That aside, the Proton Ertiga does present a sensible alternative to small families looking for upsizing without breaking the bank. Its concept of compact yet practical interior could be the solution and a viable alternative to cars like the Perodua Myvi.