Maruti Suzuki Eeco: In a segment where compact cars are all anyone can talk about, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco has continued to be good at what it does because what it does is serve a specific need – utility, affordability and practicality.
Eeco, first introduced as a replacement for the Versa, has found its way into the hearts of the commercial user, the big family and the small time businessman.
Available in 5-seater and 7-seater layout and in petrol and CNG fuel choices, the ertiga continues to be one of most affordable MPVs on sale in the Country.
Simple, utilitarian, boxy but strong design hey this one really maximizes utility!
Maruti Eecoski na jitta re_ ga?It may not win any beauty pageants, but the Eeco’s simple yet boxy construction is supposed to be more about give and take less about simple aesthetic appeal.
The Type 2’s high roof, wide-opening sliding doors and flat sides make it easy to get in and out, load up, or just get people seated.
It also has a tall roofline that contributes to the headroom and overall makes it feel far more commodious than it appears outside.
Up front, design is simple with halogen headlamps, black bumper (body-coloured for higher trims) and very little dash of chrome.
The design has not evolved dramatically over the years, but it still seems to resonate with buyers who prioritize practicality over visual panache.
Family and Fleet Friendly Functionality Inside
On the inside, the Eeco remains simple but offers adequate levels of comfort for what you pay.
The dash design is straightforward and functional.
This updated model also gets a digital instrument cluster, manual air conditioning, a 12V accessory socket and basic music system on higher trims.
The seats are relatively straight-backed and well padded for short and medium drives, but longer drives can feel tiring because a lack of thigh support.
5-seater model, generous 540 litres of boot space – ideal for luggage or commercial gear. While the 7-seater is the choice of big family or fleet operators with people moving needs over luggage space.
Inside, hard plastics prevail and are done in name of durability rather than finesse.
Dependable and Efficient Engine
The Maruti Suzuki Eeco gets the 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 81.6 bhp and 104.4 Nm of power figures.
The engine is BS6 Phase 2 compliant and has a proven track record of excellent reliability and low maintenance.
On CNG mode, it delivers 71.6 bhp and 95 Nm, making it a decent bet for city drives and commercial transportation, losing out doesn’t lose out much when it comes to power.
Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the Eeco is a lovely drive at low and mid-range speeds. It isn’t made to rip around, but for the everyday transportation, it does its job well.
The biggest plus to its credit happens to be its frugal nature. The petrol derivative delivers roughly about 19.7 km/l, while the CNG derivative produces an unbelievable 26.78 km/kg, which is extremely cost effective to drive around.
Riding and Driving Ride Quality and Driving Experience
The Eeco is configured in the rear-wheel drive system, which assists when it comes to carrying heavy loads, especially at the back when the van is at full capacity or loaded with goods.
Up front, McPherson struts take care of suspension duties and leaf springs in the back and the ride stays somewhat stable but a bit bouncy which is to be expected from a truck, especially when it is empty.
The Eeco allows for easy handling and it is easily applicable in city traffic with a turning radius of 4.5 metres and decent ground clearance.
But when you get it out on the highway, this thing could be a bit of a handful at highway speeds, the upright posture and the light steering can just give you a sensation of being a bit sketty.
Safety and Features
In its new iteration, the Eeco now gets driver side airbag, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, engine immobilizer, and seat belt reminders as standard features.
Although rudimentary by today’s standards, these additions do bring it more up to spec with today’s safety standards.
Pros:
Very well priced for a A very good price for a trailer this size and capacity }}>
Eco friend: Being a fuel efficient car, especially its CNG variant
Comes in 5-seater and 7-seater versions
Low maintenance and competitive resale value
Perfect for commercial and general use
Cons:
Feature-light and crusty design
Not much aid from the comfort-side on long rides
Safety features are minimal
No automatic or diesel option
Without payload, ride quality is bouncy.
Maruti Suzuki Eeco: Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Eeco is not the sexiest offering in the market, but it packs a real punch for India’s roads.
As much a school van, family transporter, delivery vehicle or a fleet cab, and the Eeco is what it promises; space, value and the bang- for buck equation is rewarding.
For the budget conscious MPV buyers, who are not willing to splurge, Eeco is still one of the most practical and value for money cars available.