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Maruti Suzuki Eeco is one of Few automobiles come to mind when one is thinking about purpose-driven vehicles. It is a popular choice for both personal and business use. In 2010, Maruti launched the entry-level people mover, which later catered to a broad range of consumers, as a sort of spiritual successor to the Versa. After 13 years of operation and numerous minor updates, is it still effective at what it does best? Lets find out.
Maruti Suzuki Eeco – Exterior
As previously stated, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco is still in good condition despite being in our markets for 13 years. It’s true that it’s not the most beautiful car on the road, but let’s face it, its appearance was never intended to make anyone feel good about themselves. Not every new car aims to impress with its old-school charm, but for that reason, there are buyers who actually prefer it.
When you move to its sides, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco’s typical van-MPV-like appearance becomes apparent because of its tall posture and appropriate three-part distinction with large window panels. Once more, the 13-inch steel wheels, black door handles, and fuel lid that opens with a key all showcase the Eeco’s modesty. Manually sliding the Eeco’s rear doors is similar to using the conventional elevators found in older homes or businesses, as most carmakers now opt to equip more expensive and modern MPVs with electrically sliding rear doors (requiring somewhat the same kind of effort).
Maruti Suzuki Eeco – Interior
Since its launch in 2010, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco has maintained a minimalist dashboard design and a dual-tone themed cabin that only includes the necessities. Sure, there have been a few updates to keep the interior of the cabin feeling new, but nothing truly revolutionary. A new 3-spoke unit and a digitized display, akin to those on the Wagon R and S-Presso, have replaced the previously available 2-spoke steering wheel and analog instrument cluster (reminiscent of that of the older Alto), respectively.
The open storage area on the passenger side of the dashboard has been replaced with a closed-off upper compartment housing the co-driver airbag, and the slidable AC controls have been replaced with larger rotary units.
The Maruti Suzuki Eeco has an excellent view outside and won’t cause any kind of inconvenience when driving around the city because of its tall stance and large front windshield. The front seats are higher up than usual because the engine is located underneath them, which makes it easier to find the ideal driving position. This gives you a broader field of vision and gives you the confidence that potential drivers might be seeking. Nevertheless, there is no height adjustment available for either seat; instead, the seats can only be reclined and the driver’s seat can only slide forward.
When it comes to the second row, we were able to fit three adults of average size in it with plenty of head and shoulder room. Despite the unfortunate lack of a headrest, the middle passenger has ample space to extend their legs because the transmission tunnel is not present.
Regretfully, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco’s four headrests are not height-adjustable. There are wide windows in the back seats that allow you to enjoy the outside world and pass the time on longer trips, even though there are no practical or convenient features for them. For both the front and rear occupants, there is no bottle holder or door pocket.
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Maruti Suzuki Eeco – Safety
Although Maruti has managed to fill it with the appropriate kind of basics, this department is likewise devoid of high-tech items. All passengers, including the middle occupant in the second row, are equipped with seatbelts, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, and dual front airbags in the Eeco. The Maruti Suzuki Eeco, which was not equipped with airbags, was crash-tested by Global NCAP in 2016 and received exactly zero stars.
Maruti Suzuki Eeco – Boot Space
There is ample cargo space to move houses because the third row is not used in the five-seater model. We were able to fit some luggage into our testing set while still having space for a few additional softbags. Everyone who has purchased it for use as a goods carrier or for commercial uses, such as ambulances, however, really appreciates its boot space. Be aware that if you choose the CNG version of the Maruti Suzuki Eeco, only the 5-seat model will fit in the boot due to a tank, which will take up some room for luggage. However, because the CNG tank is enclosed in a cage, you are able to place some lightweight items on it.
Maruti Suzuki Eeco – Performance
The 1.2-liter petrol engine that Maruti has been using in the Eeco since the model’s launch has remained the same, despite a few updates to bring it into compliance with the most recent emission regulations. Maruti’s people mover generates 72PS/95Nm when running on CNG and 81PS/104.4Nm when running on gasoline with the most recent BS6 phase-2 update.
For the test, we were driving the petrol-only model, which, in our opinion, makes the Eeco a very simple car to drive and doesn’t require much time for a novice to become comfortable with. The MPV’s first gear is short-throw, making it easy to tow heavy loads. Impressive engine refinement is noteworthy considering the engine’s location beneath the driver and passenger seats. The absence of power steering, though, might prove to be a little annoying when parking or making U-turns. The gear in the Maruti Suzuki Eeco fits neatly into any of the five ratios, and the clutch is lightweight.
Even when traveling at triple digit speeds, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco feels calm on a straight stretch of road. You have to plan your overtakes ahead of time because you won’t feel the engine vibrations until you approach the 100 kmph mark.
Maruti Eeco – Ride and Handling
The Maruti Suzuki Eeco’s suspension system is a little stiff because its main purpose is to haul weight and load. It seems like it should have been a little more compliant on Indian roads after a lengthy drive. It does, however, become softer when you add weight or people. After that, it absorbs the imperfections of the road well even though it still feels firm.
Conclusion
To be clear, not every type of consumer can benefit from purchasing an Maruti Suzuki Eeco. Maruti designed a car with a specific target market in mind, focusing mostly on utility and commercial applications. And the Maruti Suzuki Eeco is a well-made car in that sense. Nevertheless, when looking at it holistically, it has certain drawbacks.
Considering the buyers in its target market, it has exactly what they would need for their daily commutes, including a roomy boot and the capacity to transport lots of passengers or heavy luggage or cargo while maintaining a comfortable ride. Thus, while it still has all the necessities, it does not require the touchscreens, technology, or creature comforts of modern cars.
Nevertheless, in order to further simplify the driver’s duties, we felt Maruti ought to have improved the Eeco’s suspension a little bit and fitted it with standard features like power steering and central locking. Overall though, the basic people mover is effective at what it does best, which is transporting people or goods from the point of pickup to the desired location.
FAQ
General:
- What is the Maruti Suzuki Eeco?
- The Maruti Suzuki Eeco is a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) known for its spacious interior and ability to handle cargo and passengers.
- Who is the Maruti Suzuki Eeco for?
- The Eeco targets individuals and businesses seeking a practical and functional vehicle for people or cargo transportation.
- What are the different variants of the Maruti Suzuki Eeco?
- The Eeco comes in various seating configurations (5-seater and 7-seater) and fuel options (petrol and CNG).
Specifications:
- What is the mileage of the Maruti Suzuki Eeco?
- Mileage varies depending on fuel type:
- Petrol: Around 13-16 kmpl
- CNG: Around 20-23 km/kg
- Mileage varies depending on fuel type:
- What is the engine power of the Maruti Suzuki Eeco?
- Petrol: 81PS/104.4Nm
- CNG: 72PS/95Nm
- Does the Maruti Suzuki Eeco have an automatic transmission?
- No, the Eeco only comes with a manual transmission.
Features:
- Does the Maruti Suzuki Eeco have power steering?
- No, power steering is not available in all variants.
- What safety features does the Maruti Suzuki Eeco have?
- Standard features include ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, and seatbelts for all passengers. Higher variants offer rear parking sensors.
- Does the Maruti Suzuki Eeco have a touchscreen infotainment system?
- No, the Eeco focuses on practicality and lacks modern features like touchscreens.
Space and Comfort:
- How much boot space does the Maruti Suzuki Eeco offer?
- The boot space varies depending on the seating configuration. The 5-seater offers more cargo space, especially with the CNG variant.
- Is the Maruti Suzuki Eeco comfortable for long journeys?
- While spacious, the ride quality can be firm, especially when unloaded. Adding passengers or cargo improves comfort.
Price and Competition:
- What is the price range of the Maruti Suzuki Eeco?
- Prices start around ₹5.2 lakh (ex-showroom) and vary depending on variant and fuel option.
- What are the competitors of the Maruti Suzuki Eeco?
- The Eeco competes with other budget MPVs like the Mahindra Bolero and Tata Sumo.
Additional Concerns:
- Is the Maruti Suzuki Eeco safe?
- The Eeco received a 0-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test. While it has basic safety features, it lacks advanced safety technologies.
- Is the Maruti Suzuki Eeco good for a family car?
- The Eeco can be a suitable family car if practicality and space are priorities. However, its lack of modern features and potentially stiff ride might be drawbacks for some families.
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