India's Best Entry Level MPV

Maruti Suzuki Eeco

After what seemed like eons, Maruti Suzuki finally came out with a replacement for the popular 'Maruti Van' - the Eeco. While it's definitely not the prettiest of cars you will see but it definitely does combine functionality with spacious volume which is exactly the purpose of an MPV. The passenger seat may be a comfortable version of a garden bench where comfort is not at an all-time high, but there is enough width to seat three abreast with ease. While it may not be the place of choice for a long distance commute, around town it is far from being a problem.

Taking care of propulsion duties under the driver's seat is a 1200cc engine. Driving around town, the Eeco feels nice and peppy even with the air conditioner on. Weighing in at slightly under a ton coupled with a high center of gravity, high speed driving can get on the hairy side, but within urban speeds and with its expected payload, ride quality and stability both get enhanced.

And then of course, we come to the almighty price factor that seals the case in the Eeco's favour. Starting from a little under Rs 3 lakh ex-showroom, the Eeco makes for an unbeatable seat-per-rupee proposition - something that has begun to show results of massive success with fleet operators already. Another success story from Maruti then? You bet!

Quick Facts:

Engine: 1,196cc, inline four petrol

Power: 74PS @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 101Nm @ 3,000rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Wheels: 155xR13

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 2350mm

LxWxH: 3675 x 1475 x 1800 mm

Weight: 908kg

Performance

0-100 km/h: NA

Top speed: 126 km/h

Fuel efficiency (overall): 14.8 kmpl

Variants:

PETROL

G1: '8.72 lakh

GX: '9.72 lakh

VX: '11.52 lakh

DIESEL

G1: '9.43 lakh

GX: '10.36 lakh

VX: '12.12 lakh

Cheers:

1. Unbelievable practicality and packaging of space for carrying people.

2. Peppy engine makes for great driveability and allied fuel efficiency benefits.

Sneers:

1. Looks too much like a rebadged Versa with all the bells and whistles taken off.

2. Soft suspension makes for easy pothole eating, but also gives a bouncy ride quality in town.

Honourable Mentions

Maruti Suzuki Omni

It was 1984 when Maruti Suzuki launched its versatile little MPV called the Omni. It's been all of 26 years since then and the Omni is still present in the top 10 cars sold every month. The reason for the Omni's success is pretty simple. It is compact, can easily manage to haul eight people and still have room for luggage! It may be super-dated, but if that's what our 'janta' wants!