Maruti Suzuki is known to provide the masses with cars that hold a high value for money tag along with class leading technology and affordability. To heat things up a little bit , they have launched their latest tool , the Eeco which is a MUV built for the mortals. It made its debut at the 10th Auto Expo and has already gained a lot of air. And why wouldn’t it? The EECO is a perfect blend of Maruti’s tried and tested components that are affordable. It is a car that is absolutely a no frills package. However , the basic features are more than enough to impress you. The 1.2-litre engine with a five-speed manual transmission and a hell of a lot of space are the features that make this car an excellent choice for people who want a bigger car at an affordable price.

Looks boxy doesn’t it?

Well , if you consider this boxy you aren’t wrong. The exterior of the EECO is more on the lines of the Versa. However , its angular lines differentiate it from the Versa which was a tad curvier than the EECO. The dimensions of the new car are quite similar to the Versa albeit with a revised height. The subtle headlamps with humble little tail lamps make it appear quite decent. The overall exteriors of the EECO are well-executed and lend the car a subtle look which won’t make you feel embarrassed when standing next to it.

So , what about the interiors?

Basic comfort is what would appear initially in your mind and you won’t be wrong as the interiors carry the same no frills design as the car’s exteriors. A decent dashboard with A/C controls and vents are in the limelight on the center console along with a humble yet useful speedo that tells you how fast you’re going. However , the steering appears to be a bit dull. The plastics are of good quality with a fair feel. The interiors don’t give the rich feel of wood or leather , but don’t appear to be cheap either. Cabin space has been utilized in such a way that it makes the EECO a car with loads of headroom , legroom and boot space. Another thing that the EECO offers is excellent comfort which makes it an ideal car for long journeys or for ferrying goods. Overall , the interiors don’t shout luxury but they do their job well.

How is the drive?

Maruti is known for delivering some of the finest engines on its cars and the EECO is no exception. It is powered by a 1.2-litre G-Series engine which is a brand new motor from Maruti. The 1200cc mill develops 75PS of power and 101Nm of torque. This is transferred to the rear wheels via a five-speed gearbox with Diagonal Shift Assist , which the manufacturer claims makes the shifts smoother. Power delivery is quite smooth and the engine is capable of pulling the car nicely even at low speeds in the fifth gear. However , when you have to tackle an incline you need to rev the car a bit more just to keep the momentum going. The EECO doesn’t feature a power steering , however , the conventional rack and pinion unit is quite smooth and doesn’t feel heavy at all. The McPherson struts up front and a three-link rigid rear suspension is a bit hard , but it is capable of absorbing the bumps and ditches on the road quite well. It comes equipped with disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear which serve you with ample braking to bring the car to a halt without any effort or nervousness. Ample ground clearance allows you to drive the EECO on rough terrain without worrying much about the underbody of the car getting damaged. These aspects lend the car a decent handling.

So , what’s the initial impression?

The first thing that i would like to mention is that this car is a good value for money proposition. It is equipped with basic features , yet has ample stuff to satisfy your needs. The EECO’s price ranges from Rs 2.98 to 3.30 lakh (OTR , Pune). At this price , you get a 1.2-litre engine with adequate power that won’t disappoint you at all , a spacious cabin , comfortable seating , air-conditioning and a huge storage space. Plus , it offers you good drivability. The use of an old-school steering unit , simple bench style seats at the rear , the lack of power windows and a few extra bits has helped Maruti price the EECO competitively. It is ideally suited to individuals who have a large family and are looking for an affordable option. It is also a good alternative for car pooling. Considering the price and the load carrying capacity of the car , we can say that it will be a big hit in towns and rural areas where price and space are major deciding factors.