Maruti Suzuki Omni, launched as Maruti Van in 1984, has received its first exterior and interior updates in 1998 and few minor changes in 2005. It’s one of the most popular Maruti Suzuki cars in India. The MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) has outdated boxy design that doesn’t look good. It received new headlamps and front bumper. The door panels and side graphics are very simple. The interior is up-market than its predecessor, but doesn’t match standards of its rivals. The dashboard plastic quality is improved. The dual-tone upholstery with cushioning on inner wall and new steering wheel look good. The ambulance and Cargo variants get some additional features. The Omni is available with a 0.8-litre petrol and LPG fuel option. The petrol engine delivers a maximum power of 32.8bhp at 5000rpm, while yielding a peak torque of 57Nm at 2500rpm. It isn’t one of the most fuel efficient Maruti Suzuki cars in India, but a decent performer. The city drivability is impressive, but vehicles get unstable at high speeds.
Further to this, read Maruti Suzuki Omni Road Test details by our expert.
Exterior
The Omni has outdated boxy design. Despite having a small wheelbase and turning radius, it makes a good urban taxi. It sports new headlamps, front bumper, revised door panel and side graphics. The MUV measures 3370mm in length, 1475mm in width and 1640mm in height with a wheelbase of 3675mm. It has a ground clearance of 165mm.
Interior
The conventional interior design is really outdated, though the company tried to refresh it by adding cup holders, dual-tone upholstery with cushioning on inner wall, lockable glove box, new steering wheel, booster-assisted front disc brakes, headrest for driver and front passenger.
The ambulance trim gets some additional features such as box-type stretcher stand-cum-seat, ECG machine, 12-volt plug point for operating a suction machine, folding stretcher, rear seat (for two passengers) with backrest, siren, flasher light, medicine box and stand for oxygen cylinder and saline bottle. While, the Cargo model comes with a metal grille partition between the driver’s seat and cargo area and welded rear side windows. It has a left sliding door.
Engine Transmission
Maruti Suzuki Omni is available in petrol engine and a LPG fuel option. Powered by a 0.8-litre, 4-stroke cycle, 6 valves, in-line engine, it delivers a maximum power of 32.8bhp at 5000rpm with 57Nm of torque at 2500rpm. It has a displacement capacity of 796cc. Mated with a 4-speed manual gearbox, it returns a fuel economy of 10kmpl in regular city traffic and 14kmpl on highways. The LPG variant is equipped with a 796cc, 0.8-litre, 8-valves LPG engine that offers a peak power of 27bhp at 4500rpm. It delivers a mileage of 10km/kg. The MUV can achieve 0-100kmph in 20 seconds.
Performance and Handling
The petrol engine feels under-powered, though, the refinement level is pretty decent. Fuel efficiency could be better. The vehicle gets unstable at high speeds. City driving dynamics is good. Ride is bouncy, and very uncomfortable on rough roads.
Braking System
Braking performance is mediocre. The MUV, except the front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, doesn’t get any electronic braking assistance.
Mileage
The 796 cc Petrol - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 12 kmpl in city and 14 kmpl on highways.
Safety Features
The Omni is equipped with basic safety features such as 3-point seatbelts, side impact beams, high mounted rear stop lamp, two speed windshield wiper, headlamp leveling device, three-position cabin light, front seat belts (ELR) and multi-function levers, while the rear seat belts (static) are available on the E MPI STD BSIV variant only.
Verdict
The Omni has always been among the most popular Maruti Suzuki cars in India. The spacious interior and excellent city drivability make it a decent urban taxi.
Competition
Maruti Suzuki Omni Vs Datsun GO+
The all-new Datsun GO+ MPV looks sportier and more premium than the outdated Omni. The Datsun GO+ shares styling and components with the GO hatchback such as front power windows, AC vents, a manual central locking system etc. It has several comfort-enhancing features and spacious cabin. The 1.2-litre petrol engine of the Datsun GO+ is more powerful and frugal than the Omni’s 0.8-litre power-unit. The GO+ also leads in terms of drivability, ride quality and handling. However, the Omni’s top-end variant is cheaper than the base trim of the GO+.
Pros
Spacious interior
Utility capacity
Easy to drive in city traffic
Low cost of ownership and maintenance
Cons
Outdated exterior and interior design
Engine performance
Fuel efficiency
High speed stability
Limited safety features
Manual steering
