Maruti Eeco

I have been hanging out with the Maruti Eeco these days and honestly, this is a vehicle you tend to appreciate the beauty of simplicity as a car. If you’re after something that is no frills, plain functional and practical, then the Eeco is your vehicle. The kind of vehicle that doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t, and it’s refreshing.

Design

Now, I don’t want to call it flashy, in fact, that’s exactly what makes it work, but starting with the design. What an easy, boxy look the Eeco has — almost like it’s saying, I’m here to get things done. And it really does. With that van like tall shape it's so easy to get in and out of, and you can see it's all about saving space however possible. So it’s got a utilitarian vibe that’s good, if you just need something reliable and spacious without any frills. It’s simple, honest, and built with purpose, without trying to be a lot of things it’s not.

Under the hood

It now has a 1.2 litre petrol engine, more or less what you’d expect for a vehicle of this type. No, it’s not winning any races… but surprisingly smooth and efficient for city driving. The heart on this thing must be well into triple digits; it more than keeps up with daily traffic at about 72 horsepower. The good news is, it’s actually pretty good on fuel, which is a gigantic plus if you’re using it to commute to work a few times a day or just run around town doing some smaller business type things. While the Eeco isn’t the quickest off the line it performs admirably for a car that does all the things that its bigger name sibling does so much better.

Interior

It’s exactly what you’d expect inside — straight forward and fuss free. The stuff you have like seats, a blank dashboard and controls that aren’t too far to the reach. It’s got no fancy touchscreen, or tech heavy features, just a setup that works. And I think honestly it’s a refreshing thing to not be overwhelmed by so many gadgets and buttons. And the space really stands out, but ... maybe it is because of all these sorts of distinctions, which is maybe a straightforward word or way of thought. Unless I’m looking for trouble, this thing is roomy, with that flat floor and high roof. The Eeco is there whether you want to carry passengers or have the need for cargo. You even get the option of a seven seater, so it’s very flexible dependent on what you want. If your needs aren’t a lot more than cargo, they can fold seat back and it becomes a mini cargo van. And, it’s really versatile, that’s what I love about it.

The Eeco is surprisingly easy to handle. In the city, controlling it is light and getting around town or fitting into tight spots isn’t an ordeal. It’s a bit firm of a ride, so you’ll feel some of them in rougher roads – but it’s stable enough for everyday use. It’s clean no bells and whistles and just gets the job done. Practicality, it’s all about and Maruti has left it simple.

Comparison

If you’re comparing the Triber with something else then you might actually glance at the Renault Triber and even the Maruti Omni if you’re looking for something similar, no fuss vehicle. It’s a little pricier and has a little more in terms of modern features and a slightly more comfortable ride, but the Triber does also have a bit more. The Eeco is even more basic than the Omni, assuming you can believe it. In fact, if you want something that’s reasonably budget, reliable, and has a rather large amount of space, then the Eeco really takes its place.

Well, the Maruti Eeco isn’t for turning heads, it’s done that job, and it’s meant to be. And that’s the vehicle you can always rely on as a means of getting around that will be easy on your wallet and full of practicality on your side. Great if you’re just after a no frills and easy to manage vehicle. Would you be one of these? I think the Eec has totally nailed what it has been given to do for what it has been made to do.