Maruti Suzuki Eeco, the updated version of the not-so-popular Versa, was introduced in 2010 with few cosmetic changes and a new engine. The Eeco has a tall boxy design and simple styling, though it’s a decent alterative of the ageing Omni. The MPV gets new headlights, re-designed front and rear bumpers and taillights. The seating capacity and large storage and utility space are major attractions of the vehicle.
Interior is quite practical and spacious. The dashboard design, glove box, air-con vents, gear lever and steering wheel are borrowed from other Maruti Suzuki car models including the Alto and Versa. Thata said, the material quality is poor. The MPV is equipped with features like centre row roof mounted AC vents, power windows, tubeless tyres etc. Despite having ample cabin space and large seating capacity, it doesn’t feel comfortable.
The Eeco is powered by a 1.2-litre, 1196cc petrol engine that belts out a maximum power of 73bhp at 6000rpm with a peak torque of 101Nm at 3000rpm. The MPV isn’t one of the fuel efficient Maruti Suzuki cars, but is good enough for city and highways purpose. Mated with a 5-speed gearbox, it returns a fuel economy of 12kmpl in city and 15.1kmpl on highways, while the CNG trim offers 16kmpl in city and 20kmpl on freeways. It can accelerate 0-100kmph in 15.7 seconds, while maintaining a top speed of 120kmph. Drivability and handling are decent, but ride is very bouncy at high revs. Though, it’s easy to drive in city traffic. NVH levels are well-controlled.
Further to this, read Maruti Suzuki Eeco Road Test details by our expert.
Exterior
The MPV’s tall boxy design now shows its real age. Although with new headlights, revised front and rear bumpers, side body graphics and tail lamps, it managed to look slightly refreshing. The 13-inches 155 R13 LT tubeless tyres are small to complement rest of its body. It measures 3675mm in length, 1475mm in width and 1800mm in height with a wheelbase of 2350mm.
Interior
The MPV is available in 5-seater and 7-seater options. It’s quite spacious from inside. The beige and grey interior with artificial leather upholstery looks good. However, the material quality is poor. Equipments like dashboard design, glove-box, air-con vents, gear lever and steering wheel are borrowed from other Maruti Suzuki car models. The Eeco barely equipped with the comfort and safety features. It gets power steering, a digital instrument panel, audio system and a few more equipment. It offers a generous boot space of 540-litres.
Engine Transmission
The Maruti Suzuki Eeco gets its power from a 1.2-litre, 1196cc petrol engine that produces a maximum power output of 73bhp at 6000rpm with a peak torque of 101Nm at 3000rpm. Coupled with a 5-speed gearbox with Diagonal Shift Assistance (DSA) technology, it delivers a decent mileage of 12kmpl in city and 15.1kmpl on highways, while the CNG variant returns 16kmpl in city and 20kmpl on freeways. The CNG unit offers a maximum power of 73bhp with 83Nm of torque. The Eeco accelerates 0-100kmph in 15.7 seconds with a top speed of 120kmph.
Performance and Handling
Handling is good, though the ride is uncomfortable. The suspension is just perfect for the loading purpose, but fails to soak bumps on rough surface. Steering and clutch pedal is light and NVH levels are impressive.
Braking System
The MPV’s front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes lack confidence. It gets unstable at high revs.
Mileage
The 1196 cc CNG – powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 18 kmpl in city and 20 kmpl on highways, while the Petrol variant offers a mileage of 13 kmpl on urban roads and 15 kmpl and freeways, respectively.
Safety Features
The MPV is equipped with basic safety features such as seatbelts, high mount stop lamp, headlights etc. A leak proofing system is offered on CNG variant only.
Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Eeco is a decent choice, if you want a spacious, practical vehicle with large seating capacity and storage area. Its boxy design is quite boring, and interior quality is poor. Ride is uncomfortable too. Though, it stands out in terms of pricing.
Competition
Maruti Eeco Vs Chevrolet Enjoy
With a tall and boxy design, the Maruti Eeco doesn’t look good against the sporty Enjoy. The Enjoy has more space, seating capacity, comfort and features to offer, while the Eeco has limited comfort and safety features. Even the ride quality and handling of Enjoy is a lot better than its rival. But, what favors the Maruti Suzuki cars in India is their pricing, and the Eeco isn’t an exception here.
Pros
Seating capacity
Cabin space
Easy to drive in city
Fuel efficiency
Price
Cons
Tall boxy design
Interior quality
Limited safety and comfort features
Engine performance
Pick-up and acceleration
