Dr Varghese George, NITK, Surathkal

Maruti esteem, is one of the most well designed vehicles India has ever seen. Having used it for the past 15 years, I findd it difficult to identify a new vehicle that can give the same driver seat comfort, confidence, and road visibility. New vehicles are designed with greater focus on the dashboard design and layout, that  encroaches on driver's road visibility. Among the new vehicles, only Volswagen Polo offers this kind of driver comfort..

Esteem is also one of the few vehicles that offer better rear side visibility while you reverse the vehicle. In the case of new vehicles that come with larger and boxy boot spaces, the need for performing convenient reversing manoeuvres is ignored.

The esteem has sleek straight lines without unwwanted fussy curves and blging headlights. The most sensible design of headlights is seen only in the case of Volswagen Polo.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) The interiors of the Esteem are well laid out. However, a more plushy cushion for the seats would be a better bargain.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Although the 75Bhp engine of the esteem is rather not that impressive, the esteem scores on faster acceleration due to its lighter weight. However, it is suggested if its power could be improved to 90Bhp.

Ride Quality & Handling Superb - unmatched driving esperience. Never seen or handled such a "drivers vehicle" in India other than perhaps Mitsubishi Lancer and Ford Classic. However, the passenger comfort may have to be improved with better and improved rear sspensions to handle potholes and bumps. 

Areas of improvement The following areas need attention:

Braking reliability

Bump/ pot hole handling

Better quality cabin lighting with slow dimming lights.

LED headlights

Wipers with more speed ranges for operation

Effective air circulation for the rear passenger section.

Sleek straight lines, well crafted rear design and trailblaser, low maint., good accelerationReqd. slightly morepower for todays improved roads