Is this the real first competitor for the Alza? On paper/computer screen, yes…

You’ve brought this to yourself, because question is – why another rebadge?
Various reasons. Most easy to explain would be that developing one from scratch requires too much money. And Proton needs something below the Exora MPV anyway, one which can be priced competitively. The collaboration with Suzuki inked in 2015 was a good place to start as any.

But Proton had no hand in changing it, did they?
Not at all. However, they (Proton) were given an option to change its name; though obviously they didn’t. Ertiga means ‘Three Rows’ in the Indonesian lingo – paraphrased – and with the model already being a sales success, changing the name probably wouldn’t serve much purpose.

{gallery}ProtonErtigaMediaDrive_1{/gallery}

So it is all Suzuki, then?
Yes. That’s exactly the reason why the interior is all fabric and in the most risky colour available since that’s the spec from the donor car. It’s not exactly waterproof, despite what others say. I purposely dripped some water on it and some seeped through the textile. Some, but not all.

They also say it gives a more calming feel, and makes it look larger. I agree. You say it is easy to get dirty. I agree to that too.

The dashboard seems, what’s the word?... Spartan?
At this price, you shouldn’t expect much more. Top-spec bring features that are standard in other’s baseline variant such as audio switches on the steering and tweeters (for the audio system). All in all, it is a nice cabin to be in; driver’s seating position is pleasing even if the steering is only tilt-adjustable. The three rows of seat is also configured theatre-style where it goes higher front-to-back.

How does it drive?
Despite the far from perfect conditions (compared to the company’s test track) the Proton Ertiga feels very much the same as before. That’s good because ride quality is impressive – road imperfections are kept outside for the most part; most impressive, in my opinion, is the low NVH level.

The second row seat is probably the best one in the house. The rear air-cond blower helps a lot, so does the backrest that reclines a few degrees. Even better, slide the seat all the way back for maximum boss-like posture, although that would mean any rear passengers will need knees the girth of a pencil. Note – the Ertiga is officially a six-seater since the second row centre has no three-point seatbelt.

Best to keep the driving clean and tidy too as body rolls feel dramatic; not unexpected for something with this high centre of gravity plus narrow-ish track. Not that you’ll be particularly motivated to drive it hard because a) it is an MPV afterall, and b) there is just not enough power for that.

Oh, so it is underpowered?
Basically, in-gear performance does seem wanting. With just two adults and some small bags, the driver will need to wisely pick his time when overtaking. Then again, it is a 1.4-litre engine with only 91bhp and 130Nm, as such it was never meant to be defined by how quickly it does anything. Having said that, a cruising speed of 140kph is possible. You’ll need to be on your toes though; a higher number is achievable too, but you’ll quickly realise the chassis does not agree.

Is it practical?
Again, it is all in the price. A small family of five (rather, four. Lap belts, remember) will have no problems living with it. Any more than that amount and luggage space may become a problem. As most already are doing, the big question is whether the Ertiga is a suitable riposte to Perodua’s Alza looking at how both can carry more than five passengers.

There you go, the Proton already loses out as it is officially a six seater. We can’t say the following objectively but the Alza is likely larger as well looking at how it has a marginally longer wheelbase (2,750mm against the Ertiga’s 2,740mm). The top spec Alza also comes with sat nav.

But then again, who uses that anymore since Waze is around? Plus the Proton’s stance and overall look is far more appealing in my book. The Ertiga’s higher hip level – owing to the vehicle’s higher floor – means that adults especially ingress and egress with more comfort.

A slight concern, however, is access to the last row. Pull a lever on the second row seat and it folds and slides forward, although the latter in particular is not enough.

For RM67,300 (with insurance), the difference to the cheaper Alza is hardly substantial. More of a concern is aftersales quality. Taking into account that the Ertiga is in every sense a Suzuki, overall quality is not a big worry, so that’s a plus.

Parts availability is a non issue too, as with customisation components with the Indonesian market ready to accept our purchases.

It’s an EEV, right? So how well does it do?
Yes, an EEV. As for real life economy, we got 17.7km/L after 80 over kilometres of driving from Shah Alam to Bukit Melawati, most of which over highways. That translates to 5.6L/100km which is sterling; after all, it is not the most modern engine in the world. And I drove it at an average of 90kph.

I still want to see how it does over a longer period of time. So, wait for that.

{gallery}ProtonErtigaMediaDrive_2{/gallery}