Introduction:
The Maruti Esteem is actually the upgraded version of the Maruti 1000 which was launched in India in 1990.The 1000 came with a 970cc engine whose output was just 45 bhp.This proved underpowered for a 850Kg car. and the 1000 failed to get the numbers in for MUL after the initial euphoria died down.It was a contemporary car then and it became India?s first ?luxury? car.
Then in 1994, the 1000 was fitted with a 1.3 litre engine (whose output was 65 bhp) and was renamed as the Maruti Esteem.The exterior features were exactly the same as the 1000, the only difference was the badge and a 1.3L badge on both the front fenders near the front door shutline.
Then in 1996 three variants were added?LX(the base model without power anything), the VX( with power everything and stereo) and the AX(all features of VX with a 3-speed automatic transmission).In November 1997, the car underwent a major facelift.
There were two prominent V-shaped creases on the bonnet, new reshaped headlights with amber indicator lamps, a triple divided body-coloured grille, extensive wraparound rectangular rear lamp assembly running the entire boot.The interior was given a soft rounded look with new dashboard design and a two spoke steering wheel. Mechanicals remained unchanged. This was called the 1998 Esteem and it looked exactly like the 1998 Hungarian-built Suzuki Swift from the dead front.
In 2000 the ?1998 Esteem? got an electronic MPFI system and now power output stood at a very healthy 85 bhp. It instantly transformed this ordinary no-nonsense family sedan into an enthusiast?s car. That was quite natural because the car weighted a mere 875 Kg with 85 horses under its hood.But there was no external difference with the carbureted model, only sticker at the rear.Then in 2002 a ?Limited Edition? Esteem appeared with fake wood inserts on the centre console and an oval sticker at the top middle of rear boot shouting? Limited Edition?. However, the mechanicals weren?t changed.
Again in July 2004 the Esteem received a second facelift in which the redesigning exercise introduced clear lens headlamps incorporating orange indicator bulbs within the single assembly, a new prominent Mercedes-Benz shaped compact chrome-bordered radiator grille, rounded fog lamp inserts on the bumpers, an all-new bumper, jewel effect redesigned tail lamps (only the brake lights and the indicators) and new boot lid with a spoiler with integrated stop light.The rear-end now looks much like the 1997 Honda City.
The clear reversing lights however are incorporated in a parallel and slanting manner in relation to the tail lamps. However, I feel the Mercedes shaped grille doesn?t look good and is a misfit on a generic Japanese face. MUL could have made the front end grille-less and more rounded in order to make the car look more sporty, much like its American cousin, the Chevrolet Metro, which was incidentally a rebadged Suzuki Swift!
The car:
The Maruti Esteem is the booted version of the earlier Suzuki Swift (not the all-new 2004 model).Market surveys showed that the Indian consumers attach greater value and prestige to a 3-box car areas)or a sedan than a hatchback and hence the Swift was given a third box or the boot specifically for India and called the Maruti 1000 (and then the Esteem).Hence it is essentially a proper subcompact four-door front wheel driven hatchback with a well integrated boot that makes it a small sedan, whose length is 4075mm, breadth 1575mm and height 1395mm.
This car is a light lower midsize budget ?luxury? car. The kerb weight is 875Kg. The wheelbase is 2365mm while the ground clearance is 160mm.
Currently there are 5 variants?the LX(base model), LXI(LX+power steering), VXI(Power everything), D(base diesel, only front power windows) and DI(D+power steering).The car looks hopelessly dated when parked alongside the competition. It cannot hide its age inspite of the fresh makeup.This is one big turndown, because this car otherwise is a good package.
Engine and performance:
The engine is very smooth.The car is powered by a transverse alloy blocks head E MPFI (Electronic Multi Point Fuel Injection) petrol engine which drives the front wheels. The VXI has a 1298cc unit with 4 valves per cylinder whose output is 85bhp and 10.6 kgm (at 6000rpm).The diesel has a 1527 cc Peugeot engine putting out 57bhp and 9.7 Kgm (at 5500rpm).
Performance is very good. The VXI takes around 5 seconds to hit the 60kph mark from standstill while the same with the 100kph mark comes up in 12 seconds.Top speed is a decent 165kph.Fuel efficiency is okay:10kpl in the city and 16kpl in the highway.
The diesel understandably, is engineered for fuel efficiency than outright performance, though top speed is 140kph.Zero to 60kph comes up in 7 seconds while 0 to 100 kph takes 19 seconds. Mileage is phenomenal at 14 kpl in the city and 18kpl in the highway.The front has ventilated disc brakes and the rear has drum brakes.
My car:
Our Esteem is a white 2004 VXI. I don?t think of it as a proper midsize car and find it extremely cramped with a low seating position.Getting in and out is not very easy. The ride is smooth but any sudden encounter with a Calcutta-quality pothole will make its presence felt in the cabin.Also the handling is pretty nervous, the culprit being the dated chassis which wasn?t designed to accommodate such an automobile configuration on it.
The interior has improved a lot but still it is no match for the competition which are clearly a generation ahead. But there are a lot of standard features like rear centre armrest, stereo, foglamps, rear defogger, AC and tachometer besides power everything. But the rear seat(117cm)with a minimum legroom of 58cm to a max of 73cm. is not comfortable at all.
The rack and pinion power steering is perfect for city driving.The gearshift is slick and is a joy to operate on. The aluminium finish centre console and the gear knob looks smart.But MUL should give us a new fresh dashboard.The overall quality is good, but the car is not solidly engineered.
Why the Esteem?
Actually the Esteem is a lot of car for not much money. The price of the VXI is Rs 480000(ex-showroom, Calcutta).It has an excellent gearbox, a smooth and powerful engine, very good performance, low running costs, has decent resale value, has power everything and you get the peace of mind having purchased a Maruti product.But it is not as well built as its rivals, is well over a decade old, is built on an outdated chassis, with nervous and fidgety handling, is disgustingly common and is very cramped.But throw in the price tag and all shortcomings are forgiven.At this price you really can?t go wrong and chances are you simply cannot resist the urge of owning one.