Maruti Suzuki Eeco [2010-2022] User Reviews

Detailed Review : I was driving a Non-AC Maruti-800 since year 2002 which was purchased by my father at that time. That Maruti-800 is still in a good condition but everybody knows that it’s not spacious and also as it was non-AC so it was horrible to drive it in summers. Since Feb 2016 I was thinking of purchasing a new hatchback car (with AC). I belong to a middle class Indian family and my budget was not that high. I could do without many features (which are available in expensive cars) like power steering, power windows, rear defogger, rear wiper, ABS, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), speed sensing door lock, parking sensors, vanity mirrors on sun visors and various other luxury features as these were also not available in Maruti-800. After all I had to shift from a 14 year old Non-AC Maruti-800 to a better car. I studied about various hatchback cars on Carwale.Com and then I observed that majority of popular hatchback cars of different brands like Maruti Swift, Maruti Ritz, Ford Figo, Toyota Etios Liva, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Grand i-10, Hyundai Elite i-20, were having a 1200 cc engine with 4 cylinders and 16 valves, after knowing that I had determined that I was going to purchase a car which was going to have a 1200 cc engine with 4 cylinders and 16 valves. On road price of above mentioned cars was around 6 lakhs or more. I could spend only 4 lakh rupees as down payment. Now if I had to purchase a car out of the one mentioned above then I had to take a loan of 2 lakh rupees from some bank. Other problem was: - I don’t like dwarf cars and I was interested in a very tall + spacious car and out of the one mentioned above only Maruti Ritz has got a tall boy design but I wanted an even taller car. Now Maruti Wagon-R has also got a tall boy design & it is even taller than Maruti Ritz but it has got only 1000 cc engine with 3 cylinders whereas my aim was to get a car having 1200 cc engine with 4 cylinders and 16 valves. Tata Nano has also got a tall boy design but again it’s got 624 cc engine with only 2 cylinders. After a lot of research I could found only one car (Eeco) which suited me in every manner and that too from the brand of Maruti Suzuki (which is having largest support network in India). On 23rd May 2016 I have finally purchased Maruti Eeco 5 seater with AC/heater at an on road price of only rupees four lakhs and am really proud of my decision. Before buying I also took its test drive and was very happy with it. Exterior: - Tall Boy design (height is 6 feet which is slightly more than that of Toyota Innova). Eeco can be considered as a small SUV or an SUV for middle class Indians. It has got very good ground clearance. Majority of SUVs are 6 to 7 feet tall. Eeco can be considered as a smaller sister of Toyota Innova. Interior (Features, Space & Comfort): - Very spacious with nearly 540 litres of boot space, very comfortable high seating with very good leg space and very good head space, good under thigh support, good for long journeys. Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox: - Very smooth & responsive engine, good fuel economy & very smooth gearbox with diagonal shift assist. Ride Quality & Handling: - Excellent ride quality which is comparable to that of an SUV due to its tall and spacious design & high seating and noiseless engine and good suspension. Handling is easy though it takes some effort in using sliding doors. Final Words: - Middle class Indians who are planning to purchase an Alto-800 or Alto K-10 or Wagon-R or Tata Nano should consider buying Eeco. Cost of Eeco is only nearly one lakh more than that of Tata Nano & it’s about 50 thousand more than that of Alto-800 & somewhat less than that of Alto K-10 & one lakh rupees less than that of Wagon-R. Eeco is the only car on Indian roads which is offering a 1200 cc engine with 4 cylinders + 16 valves at the most economical on road price of 4 lakh rupees. Areas of improvement: - In the on-road cost of 4 lakhs it doesn't needs any improvement as it is already giving so much.Tall, v spacious, v large boot space, v gud ground clearance, easy to drive, noiseless engineNone

Maruti EECO 5 seater (with AC/heater) is the only car on Indian roads offering 1200 cc powerful engine (with 4 cylinders & 16 valves) at the most economical on-road proce of rupees 4 lakhs only!!!... EECO is the tallest and the biggest hatchback car offering maximum boot space of 540 litres (in 5 seater version). It provides SUV like high seating & has got SUV like high ground clearance.

People purchasing TATA NANO should try to spend one lakh rupees more and should purchase Maruti EECO (5 seater with AC). TATA NANO has got a weak 2 stroke 624 cc engine and boot space of TATA NANO is minimum (about 100 litres only). After-Sale service of TATA cars is not considered as good whereas after-sale service of Maruti cars is considered as the best in India.

Similarly people purchasing ALTO-800, whose price ranges between 3.5 to 4 lakhs and which is small & weak in every sense, should consider purchasing EECO.

Similarly people purchasing ALTO K-10 whose price ranges between 4 to 4.5 lakhs and which is also small in every sense (when compared with EECO), should consider purchasing EECO.

Similarly people purchasing tall car Wagon-R whose price ranges between 4.5 to 5.5 lakhs and which is also small and weak in every sense (when compared with EECO), should consider purchasing EECO and also save money !!!... Wagon-R has got 1000cc engine with only 3 cylinders. Boot space in Wagon-R is only 180 litres. Tyres of Wagon-R are very thin.

Similarly people purchasing Maruti CELERIO whose price ranges between 4.5 to 6.5 lakhs and which is also small and weak in every sense (when compared with EECO), should consider purchasing EECO and also save money !!!... CELERIO has got 1000cc engine with only 3 cylinders.

Similarly people purchasing HYUNDAI EON whose price ranges between 4.0 to 4.75 lakhs and which is also small and weak in every sense (when compared with EECO), should consider purchasing EECO and also save money !!!... Majority of variants of EON have got 800 cc weak engine. Only one variant of EON has got 1000cc engine but which is again weaker than engine of EECO!!

Similarly people purchasing RENAULT KWID, whose price ranges between 3.3 to 4 lakhs and which is small & weak in every sense, should consider purchasing EECO. RENAULT KWID has got a weak 800 cc engine.

Similarly people purchasing DATSUN REDI-GO, whose price ranges between 3.3 to 3.8 lakhs and which is small & weak in every sense, should consider purchasing EECO. DATSUN REDI-GO has got a weak 800 cc engine.

Height, Overall Space, Boot Space, Ground Clearance, Tyre Size, Luks, Powerful Engine, High SeatingBench type rear seat (but which can be changed)

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

Exterior

Versa with make up, Good Body Graphics, Clear Headlights looks good and Bumpers are of good quality.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Dashboard - Reasonably good plastic quality, well position gear but would loved to have a hand rest for the gear. Height feels good while driving. Electronic Trip meter gives in an added advantage and for a car worth 3.5 on road this is a luxury item. Front seats are comfortable but would prefer to change the rear seats to Bucket seats as it feels more like benches which reminf me of my old school bus. A/c is effective. Front seats support till the end of the thigh which is good for long drives where you do not strain your leg.Baby seats can be added after the rear seat. 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

Smooth Engine, 1169CC, shoots out a smooth Drive, No need of Power Steering as the car is very maneuverable, Fuel economy as told by Sales Rep of Maruti was 17km/lt but my assumption that with a/c on it would belt out 1km/lt with economic driving.

Gear Box is smooth and well position although As I had commented a hand rest would have been an added advantage but anyway it can be installed after buying the car.

Ride Quality & Handling

For long drive rear seats would not be comfortable but front seats have all the comfort that you would look for.

Rear seats would make you feel the road if its bumpy but not as much as Omni.

Takes curves perfectly but am sceptical of speeding above 80 -100 km/hr as the shape would not permit the CG to hold on to the car if sudden turn needs to be taken even at 60 km/hr so dont take risk with high speed in this car.

Car does not sway and even though there is no power steering , the car steers as per the command of the steering which feels good and is responsive.

Final Words

Full value for money.

If you can spend another 30,000 bucks, change the rear seat into something more comfortable or bucket seats.

Areas of improvement  

As told earlier, rear seats. 

Height, Noiseless Cabin, Pick Up, Driving Position, A/C, Electronic Trip MeterRear Seat, Tyres

Maruti Suzuki has certainly developed & launched the elegant version of its Omni model into  multi purpose and a family package tour vehicle. it needs some more engineering towards comfort of passenger. Improve the internel features like putting music system, power windors, power steering and certain other basic utility feartures. The sliding door also need modification as it still give the older and previous version of Maruti Omni with just copying down the present features from it. Raising the premium model some additional features like defrogging, rear wipers can also be put in. Anti locking, ABS, Side mirror adustment from inside, digital clock, mobile charging unit, video display (LCD) at the back side of the front seat. The remote control of music to be put on the steering wheel. The steering wheel should also be suitable designed for giving leather and elegant look. Summarising all in breif the manufacturer has certainely designed the most valued car in the low price segment. if all the state features are incorporatedthe certainly it turns to be more stylish and elegant for joy riding. 

Good for family package tour.Internel comfort lacking beside features like power windows, steering and the lack of music system.

This car is very good in drive.It is my first car in family.I am very happy to buy this car it is suitable for me.It is low cost car, every average person can buy this car.I love this car.

Exterior Good for family

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Better than Omni in space and comfort

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Comparatively good performance until first service. Fuel economy is 14-15 with average speed of 90Kmph. 3rd Gear pickup is not good enough.

Ride Quality & Handling Smooth riding, handling is good.

Final Words I bought EECO 7 seater (Petrol) fitted with AC (from outside). It's amazing and very happy about the performance. Until first service, it was giving 16.5(Highway) and now it is 16.0 Km/L. I checked its braking power is too good. I went upto 130KMs and pressed brake for unexpected bump in the road but vehicle stopped so smoothly like INNOVA / Scorpio.. WOW really good road grip. I wasn't felt any jerks or wavy while decreasing speed instantly. Even I tried turning this vehicle at 60Kms without bending or skid. You get totally different feel altogether when you shift EECO to 5th(top) gear.

Areas of improvement All new features can be introduced with high-variant models like power steering, power windows, center-locking, ABS, etc.

Good fuel economy, spacious, Good road gripIdling is more, Pickup in 3 gear is not as expected but 4th pickup is good (unusual), no power windo

 

Exterior: Nice but Head lamp is not bright enough ,shape is very low end

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Good space ,poor handling and heaviest steering among all indian cars till date in the same  catagory of about 1 Tonne. Crudely welded luggage cabin with elevated platform for rear seat

positioning eats up luggage space if rear seat removed like in Omni.No head rest at rear.

poorly padded seats .Doesnot have safety beam at front ahead of the cabin.Catalogue mentions about side impact beams but size and quality however doubtful

.Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

As assumed engine not mounted at front but unfortunately below the driver seat, this increases the cabin temperature hence more a/c load on the engine to keep cabin cooler

Engine and gear box housing as made of low grade aluminium and mounted at lowest part of the chasis will get hammering when driven over the boulder or bad raods trying to avoid pot holes.

Ride Quality & Handling

Ride quality is comparable with only M-800 ,Omni and nowhere near Indica,Wagon R or GM Spark Not to mention about handling ,probably worst ever car produced in the History of Indian automobiles try it to believe with 3 passengers sitting inside.

Final Words

On road price of 3.58 if one does think of cramped alto,and ready to get crumpled Omni then this would be ideal choice .If you are serious about quality cars do not think about EEco

Areas of improvement  

In every millimeters of the car from foding rear seats, rear head rest, removal of welded platform at luggage area, engine gearbox guarding cover,  Impact resist beam at front nose,

repositioning of engine to front from below.

 

better than unsafe omniengine and gearbox casing at lowest piont on chasis,very heavy handling

 

Exterior Simple and basic model similar to maruti Versa

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Very simple without power window and music system. Also no power steering. As far as confort is considered, its good with more interior space. There is no luggage space in car. 

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine is very good and performance is satisfactory. Good fuel economy.

 

Ride Quality & Handling Even though there is no power steering, the handling is very easy.

excellelnt stability.

 

Final Words I own a Maruti Eeco 7 seater car, almost satisfied with it, good value for money but it would be the best if it would have power windows and little luggage space in it. But i like the Headlight adjustment option and child locking system.

 

Areas of improvement Power window feature should be implemented or make it optional for customer. Also all the cars today have power steering, so it will boost the sale if Eeco launches the car with power steering as it is now the basic requirement of all.

 

Good space, Valuable for all middle class families, good steering and engine performanceExterior look is very simple almost similar to Maruti Versa, so not a new model to customer