Feb 02, 2010 10:46 AM
13357 Views
(Updated Feb 02, 2010 11:02 AM)
The Maruti Eeco had a rather soft launch unlike the Ritz and A-star. But that does not mean that the Eeco is just another Van like the Omni or Versa. I believe that the Eeco is a common man's Multi-purpose Vehicle. Practical motoring at affordable price, I think that is what truly defines the new Eeco. Maruti engineers have addressed the concerns of Omni and Versa lovers keeping in mind the price factor and thus Eeco was born.
Since my cousin wanted to buy a new car I was assigned the task of test driving the Eeco and giving my feedback depending on which a decision would be taken whether to buy it or not. I did a bit of net surfing and then visited a maruti dealer for a test drive.
My initial observation and judgement about the vehicle is as follows. Lets begin with the positive aspects.
1) It has an unbeatable price tag of Rs 3.42 Lacs on-road (Mumbai) for a 5 seater AC vehicle.
2) Being in the Van category like the Omni, ingress and exit is very comfortable especially for senior citizens.
3) Generous Legroom for rear seats
4) Aircon is pretty decent considering the larger cooling area inside.
5) Loads of space behind the rear seats. Can be utilised to carry more people, luggage, pets, etc.
6) Seating and driving position is much better than the Omni.
7) The dashboard styling and steering placement is appealing too.
8) Considering the overall dimensions of the vehicle, the pick-up and handling is fairly decent for city driving.
9) By Maruti standards, the gear shift is smooth and it has something known as 'shift assist' for a smoother throw from 4th to 5th gear.
10) Externally the Eeco looks much better than the Omni and the Versa. The colour options are also attractive.
Now let me list out a few negative aspects as well
1) I wish the Eeco had power steering for effortless driving. However, I admit that driving it without power steering wasn't very troublesome either.
2) Broader tyres would have given the vehicle a better grip and stability while in motion and especially at speeds above 60 kmph.
3) The Eeco does not have power windows, central locking, RPM meter, internally adjustable mirrors or even day & night mirrors.
4) The build quality is not up to the mark, the same could be said about the upholstery too. If the Eeco is not used with care, it may start rattling like the Omni.
These were the only negative points about the Eeco. But if Maruti was to load the vehicle with power steering, broader tyres, power windows and better upholstery, then the price would automatically jump by over 50K. With that increase the Eeco would certainly lose the pricing advantage it currently enjoys. So overall I think the Maruti Eeco is a great buy, especially as a second car. I recommended the Eeco to my cousin and he in turn booked the vehicle. Friends, let us understand that the USP of the Eeco is its killer pricing and utilitarian value, so we have to compromise on the luxury aspect of the car and that is fully justified.
Even I would buy the Eeco as a second car for my family. I own an Esteem (type 3) from the Maruti stable and I consider it to be a capable family car. Being a top end Vxi version, it has power steering, power windows, central locking, beige upholstery, rear seat center arm-rest, rear defogger, day & night mirrors etc which are missing in the Eeco. My Esteem comfortably seats 4 people on long journeys but it has its own limitations too. The low stance makes it difficult for my parents who are senior citizens to get in and out of the car. Besides on long drives, the rear passengers have limited leg room. Similarly, I have to borrow my neighbour's Scorpio to accommodate the luggage when my relatives come down from abroad. I think the Eeco has the answer to many of the limitations that my Esteem has.
So I think it is the most deserving second car for any middle class family .
