Maruti Eeco

The Eeco has been a workhorse for Maruti ever since it was introduced in 2010, replacing the beloved Omni and Versa. It is one of the few purpose-driven vehicles, which is a popular pick as both a private and a commercial vehicle. But, after more than a decade in service, is it still worth all the talk? We find out:

• The Maruti Eeco’s design has an old-school charm with its simplicity.

• It might feel like a dull-looking car to the younger population, but the Eeco’s intention was never to attract people with its style.

• The front design is as simple as it gets with rectangular halogen headlights, small grille, and a blacked-out bumper.

• There are no cuts and creases for additional style, and neither are there fog lights. Forget about any LEDs or chrome elements.

• You’ll notice the typical van-MPV-like look in the profile with a flat roofline and big windows.

• It sits on 15-inch steel wheels which don’t get any wheel covers throughout the lineup.

• I don’t think the Eeco’s rear design can get any simpler with an absolutely flat tailgate and plain all-black bumper.

• The taillights remind you of vehicles from the early 2000s with a simple rectangular shape and straightforward placement of elements.

• The Eeco is available in five monotone colour options: Bluish Black, Metallic Glistening Grey, Solid White, Metallic Brisk Blue, and Metallic Silky Silver.

Design & Quality

• The Eeco’s interior looks similar to old Marutis. It doesn’t look stylish by modern standard, but focuses on functionality.

• To add some style, the Eeco does get a dual tone theme with black and beige colours on the dashboard and seats.

• In terms of quality, everything is finished in hard plastic, but there are no fit and finish inconsistencies.

Driving position

• The Eeco isn’t a vehicle that’s built for outright comfort, and that shows in its packaging and features.

• The front seats are placed higher than usual because the engine is positioned under the seats. This allows for a good view, which will help new drivers.

• There is no adjustment in the steering column, and only the driver’s seat gets the slide functionality. 

Passenger comfort

• The Maruti Eeco is available in two seating configurations: 5-seater and 6-seater.

• Getting in and out of the rear takes effort because of the manually sliding rear doors.

• In the 5-seater version, three medium-sized adults can sit here without any real shortage of headroom or shoulder room.

• The middle passenger doesn’t get a headrest, but they do get room to stretch their feet due to the absence of a transmission tunnel.

• There are no convenience features for the rear passengers.

• In the 6-seater version, there are captain seats in the middle, while the last row offers an acceptable space for two passengers.

Storage spaces

• There are limited storage spaces inside the cabin of the Eeco.

• There are cubby holes in the lower half of the dashboard, good enough for a decent-sized smartphone and smaller items.

• An open space ahead of the gear lever can be used to keep small items. 

• You can store a few knick knacks in the glovebox.

• The rear centre console gets a small bottle holder.

• The rear passenger only gets a single seat back pocket behind the passenger seat.

Features

• The Maruti Eeco only packs the utmost basic equipment that one absolutely needs. There are no fancy modern-day features here.

• The list includes manual AC, manual inside mirror, cabin lamps, and sun visors. 

• While there is no auto AC, the manual AC is quite powerful, and works on a really hot and sunny day.

• There are no power windows, radio or sound system, electric adjustments for the outside mirrors or even outright rudimentary things like power steering and central locking.

• In terms of safety, the Maruti Eeco comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and electronic stability program as standard.

• The Maruti Eeco was crash tested by the Global NCAP back in 2016, where it scored a disappointing zero stars.

• In the 5-seater version, the Eeco gets enough space to help move your house around.

• Even with a CNG kit, you will have enough boot space in the Eeco.

• In the 6-seater version, there’s enough space to store multiple small suitcases or duffle bags.

• The Maruti Eeco is powered by Marut’s tried and tested 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated, petrol engine, which is available with a manual transmission only.

• There is also a factory-fitted CNG kit available.

• The engine refinement of the Eeco is impressive, especially considering that the engine is right below the driver’s seat. 

• The first gear of the Eeco has been kept short for easy pick up at slow speeds, even under heavy load.

• With a light clutch and smooth gear shifts, driving the Eeco in the city is easy even if you find yourself in heavy traffic scenarios.

• City performance in the Eeco is adequate and it cruises comfortably at speeds of 60-80kmph.

• However, at speeds of around 100kmph, you start feeling vibrations from the engine, and overtakes at those speeds will require you to be patient.

• The Maruti Eeco’s stiff suspension isn’t as comfortable as you might expect it to be.

• Without much load in the car, you feel the bumps and irregularities of the surface.

• But with more weight inside the car, the ride quality and bump absorption becomes better.

• Driving the Eeco is easy for the most part, but with no power steering wheel, U-turns or slow speed maneuvers require extra force.

• The Maruti Eeco is available in two variants: Standard and AC.

• Cng is available only in the 5-seater AC variant.

• The 6-seater version is not available in the AC variant.

Maruti Eeco Standard

• Available in both 5- and 6-seater configurations.

• Looks exactly like the top-spec AC variant with similar halogen headlights, 15-inch steel wheels and tail lights.

• Misses out only on manual AC and cabin air filter.

Maruti Eeco AC

• Only available in 5-seater version.

• Gets the option of a CNG kit.

• Only adds on manual AC and cabin air filter.

CarDekho recommends:

• If you want the 6-seater version of the Maruti Eeco, then you have no option but to go for the Standard version.

• For the 5-seater version, we would recommend you to opt for the AC variant. CNG can be opted if you have a really high usage.

The Maruti Eeco is not a regular car that caters to the masses. It is purpose built with a focus on providing mobility means for commercial cargo or people transportation, and it does that beautifully. Sure, small things like power steering and windows would've made that experience more convenient for everyone. But then, the Eeco isn’t about convenience, but utility, and it does that rather well.