Maruti hasn't set up the mini-van platform and Maruti Eeco is proof. It is a Versa with slight changes to the exterior, says Ashish MasihSo you deliberation the Versa was dead. Not quite, Maruti isn't giving up on the mini-van platform just as yet and here's evidence. The car maker determined to update the 1.3-litre petrol shared till just with the Swift. It's been downsized to 1.2 litres from 1.3 and there are other changes as well to make it meet Bharat Stage IV emission norms, which come into outcome from April this year.
One look at the Eeco, and it's immediately obvious that this is the same Versa with minor changes to the exteriors. The head- and tail-lamps have slight modifications as do the bumpers, which improve the looks. But there is no getting away from the information that this is a boxy design. The narrow 155-section tyres which come on 13-inch rims look small when compared to the elevated dimensions, giving the car a very odd stance.
Step inside and you'll directly appreciate the fact that you do not have to crouch or bend to get into the cabin — you simply walk into it.
The dashboard is same to the Alto in design. There's a big scoop above the glovebox to stay items in and very similar AC vents as well. The steering wheel is also rented from the Alto. Generally quality is poor — the plastic on the seat-recline knob came off on our vehicle.
If you are looking for any being comforts, you will be disappointed. While there's a choice of five or seven seats, there are no power windows, no power steering and no middle locking. In fact, in its bid to be costs low, Maruti won't be present boot or fuel release buttons inside the cabin. Both will have to be physically opened with the key. You do get an AC and heater on the five-seater however. The high-set seats offer a highest view of the road and this, combined with the huge glass area; make the cabin feel bigger than it actually is.
The 1.2-litre engine conveys 73bhp of power. While engine alteration is never an issue, its positioning below the seats means that the cabin gets loud when you rev hard. Power delivery is good, but you will need to rev the car a bit to obtain going, particularly with a full complement of passengers. The gearbox is a brittle unit, offering short throws and a positive shift. The gear lever has been rented from the Alto too.
The positive gearing along with the light clutch make driving a wind.
The fact that the engine lies below the front seats and not straight above the wheels means that there is very little weight on the front tyres. So you won't actually miss the power steering, except when reversing into a tight spot. The steering delivers abundance of information from the road. However, the short wheelbase and the detail that the occupants sit directly over the front and rear axle mean that the ride is bumpy on anything less than smooth roads. Even the smallest of gaps are felt in the cabin.
The five-seater option comes with a enormous loading area, which is ideal for carrying large items, making the Eeco a great vehicle for activities such as moving house.
Costs for the Eeco start at Rs. 2.59 lakh for the base five-seater and go up to Rs. 2.90 lakh for the AC variant. This certainly makes the Eeco the cheapest point A-to-B mode if you want to transport more than five people and their luggage.
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