Back in 2002 when everyone was hooked on to “Kaun Banega Crorepati” and superstar Amitabh Bachchan was the hype, Maruti launched the Versa with endorsement from the star himself. According to Maruti, it was India’s first true ‘Utility’ vehicle. However, it did not turn out to be successful as it had a premium price tag. A few years later, just like celebrities, it underwent some surgeries, a name change and most importantly a drastic change in pricing. This vehicle sells today by the name of Maruti Eeco. Mostly being used as a taxi or a goods carrier, it is a high selling vehicle. Where else can you find a 7+ seater for a steal price like this. This was the replacement Maruti was looking for the much applauded Omni or the Maruti Van as we all know it. Let us see what the Eeco has to offer.

Maruti Eeco Price

Variant On-Road Delhi
5 STR INR 3,55,568
7 STR INR 3,77,307
5 STR with A/C + HTR INR 3,91,537
5 STR with HTR CNG INR 4,35,103
5 STR with A/C + HTR CNG INR 4,70,617

 

Maruti Eeco comes at a fantastic price. The price vs utility quotient here is unbeatable. The Maruti Eeco is used in various applications, both as a private and commercial vehicle.

Also Read: Datsun Go+ Review


Maruti Eeco Specifications

Engine 1.2-litre
Power 73 bhp
Torque 101 nm @ 3000 rpm
Transmission 5-speed manual

Maruti Eeco Dimensions

Length 3675mm
Width 1475mm
Height 1800mm
WheelBase 2350mm
Ground Clearance 160mm
Kerb Weight 908kgs
Gross Weight 1510kgs

maruti-eeco

Maruti Eeco Design

The bonnet has a beak type appearance. This area actually houses the engine, unlike the Omni which had the engine placed below the front seats. Also it tries to take you away from the Van look. The Maruti Eeco gets clear head lamps for better illumination during night drives. From the side its is the same tall, long, matchbox design with sliding doors behind. This makes ingress and egress very convenient. The wheels appear small for a car of this dimension, however it keeps the cost low as well. The rear is flat, typical of a UV. The boot lid opens full and reveals a large loading bay. Along with the headlamps now even the tail lamps are clear.

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Maruti Eeco Interiors

Maruti Eeco interior

The steering is simple but at a comfortable position for the driver, making it comfortable. There is no tachometer in the instrument cluster, which is basic. The dark grey fibre dash has a nice beige plastic centre that houses the music system and a/c controls. Also comes with a 12v charger. The seats are a single unit with no detachable head rest. When we get to the rear, the second row is where the trick lies. There are two options of a 7 seater or a 5 seater available.

Maruti Eeco interior 2

  • In the 7 seater, the second row gets a bench seat to accommodate 2 people. There is enough space provided so that passengers can get into the 3rd row which has a seat to accommodate 3 people. 7 adults can sit in comfort in the Maruti Eeco.
  • In the 5 seater option there is only one row of seat, which can accommodate 3 adults. This let’s the Maruti Eeco have ample of boot space to carry a month load of luggage.

Maruti Eeco Dimensions

Maruti have kept the Eeco under 4 metres and yet were able to provide much needed space. At 1500 kgs gross weight this is no light vehicle like how the Omni was. The 160 mm ground clearance too is good enough to tackle the bad roads.


 Maruti Eeco Engine

The small 1.2L engine still manages to make 73 bhp which is a lot for such a small engine but is required to move this big box around. The 101 nm torque seems to be fairly enough to take either people or luggage around. Maruti finally shifted to a  5-speed manual gearbox from a 4-speed manual.


Maruti Eeco Mileage

Maruti Eeco Mileage (ARAI)
In City 11.8 km/l
On highway 15.1 km/l
Fuel tank 40L
Distance 400 km

 

This engine has good power, and the efficiency is also decent enough. If we consider 10 km/l we still can manage a 400 km range till we require fuel again. The 40-litre tank is sufficient.


Maruti Eeco Colours

The Maruti Eeco is available in the following colours

  • Metallic Passion Red
  • Metallic Silky Silver
  • Metallic Glistening Grey
  • Superior White
  • Pearl Midnight Black
  • Metallic Breeze Blue

Maruti Eeco Ride and Handling

This is a people and goods carrier, and that is something it does well. Because of the tall body taking sharp turns is a big no. Yes the turning radius is a big improvement over the omni and the power steering helps too. The clutch is light too. The vehicle is a bit jumpy because of the stiff suspension, but then again it is made to carry weight. It is a rarity that you can carry 7 people in a sub-4 metre car.

Maruti Eeco side

Verdict

Trying to figure what else can you ask for this price? Maruti provides excellent service and this car run flawlessly. And unlike the Omni this car can be used as a van and your daily driver too. Where space vs cost is a constraint the Eeco more than provides what you need.

2 Comments

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  • Hi guys how are you I hope all of you are fine can you please do 2019 Maruti eeco van review on YouTube channel I really like and appreciate your work. if you can help me please do your subscriber from USA.
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