The best value that Maruti has to offer...

 

Exterior The Maruti Esteem Di 2005 has been through some extensive changes to the front and rear that sets it apart from its predecessors. It's got style!

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) If you're tall, there's plenty of leg room unlike the smaller hatchbacks such as the Maruti Zen or Maruti Alto. The rear seats aren't as comfortable for long trips (> 6 hours) but the front seats are great!

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox If you are looking for performance, the diesel engine isn't for you. The Maruti Esteem uses a Peugeot-sourced engine and delivers excellent fuel economy. The gear box in the Maruti Esteem delivered to me would, at times, refuse to shift into reverse and remained as such despite the periodic service, but switching to a different service center helped in getting the problem rectified.

 

Ride Quality & Handling The ride quality is good and it takes to Indian roads quite well. It can drive over speed breakers without scraping over them. The car handles well, better than a Maruti Zen or a Maruti Alto. Sudden braking even at 100kph does not cause the vehicle to lose stability.

 

Final Words The Maruti Esteem Di 2005 has the style and fuel economy to meet the needs of the average buyer. As it's a Maruti, you can find a service center right in your neighborhood. The Esteem has been discontinued in favor of the Swift DZire with more curves and cute-ness, but it appeals to a different crowd and certainly doesn't have the same charm as the Esteem.

 

Areas of improvement Due to the defect in the gearbox for the unit I received, I would want to have better quality control at the manufacturing plant, but I am quite satisfied with the car overall.

 

Excellent fuel economy, excellent stability at high speeds, easy to find a service centerYet to find something I don't like about it