Value for money for Middle income group

I drove EECO and found following pros and cons :

Pros : Very smooth steering, considering the fact that it is not power steering. Way beyond Omni’s steering. I noticed the engine noise is almost nil, inspite of the engine is below the driver seat. For the value of 3.2 lakhs on road, you get a family car with 5 or 7 seater and tubeless tyres. Fuel economy of 14 kmpl is reasonable for this size of car. Power with AC on is reasonable and not as bad as Maruti 800. No vibration. Leg space at the second row is reasonable and a person of 6′ height can sit without hitting his knee to front seat. The last row can accomodate persons with 5′8″ max and beyond that is compromise. Anyway … guys this is positioned for ecomonomy and who can buy a spacious 5 seater or compat 7 seater at 3.25 lakhs.

Cons : As usual cheap interiors, which is obvious for this low mid class car. Head rest is required for the middle and last seat considering the safety aspect. But these can be customized with nominal addl cost. Non reclining seat for co-passenger seat is a BIG disappointment. Maruti must consider giving a comfortable seats. I expected better cushion at rear considering the fact that this is with coil spring, unlike omni’s leaf spring. The ride is bumpy at the 2nd row. Maruti must consider this aspect and do something to make it smooth.

My over all view : Person who cannot afford to spend more than 4 lakhs for a 7 seater can go for this vehicle. Lots of comments about diesel varient in this. Keep in mind that diesel may not be feasible in this design as the engine compartment is below the seat, which will cause vibration & generate more heat. Those who want more comfortable seats at 2nd row, can customize the seat with bucket seat.

Best Buy as family car will be : go for 5 seater with AC, customize 2nd row with head rest with cushion on seat. Add 2 babby seat behind the 2nd row. This will be handy to travel 6 adults or 5 adults with 2 kids. Else the last seat can be folded to side and use for luggage. with these customization it may cost about 3.5 lakhs max which worth.

Whether it is copy cat from Versa or upgraded Omni, the fact is it is a budget Van for big size mid income people.

Very smooth steering, considering the fact that it is not power steering. Low costAs usual cheap interiors and seat quality is not good