I bought my car a black esteemVXi top end model little more than 2 years ago in Nov 2006. I had written a review earlier and now writing another simply to let people out ther know that this is just a great car.
The only other company that made cars that never failed was Toyota Corolla in the 1990s, they just had to stop a particular model just to move on.
The esteem is one such from the Maruti Suzuki venture, it is a car that just keeps running and feels great. The Vxi is the top end with creatively comforts like Tubeless Tyres,
All 4 power windows, back seat armrest, beezel finish door lock, Mp3, power steering, adjustable driver seats, rear defogger, fog lamps, body colored rear view mirrors both sides and fabric seats. The car also has lavish boot which accomodates my airport luggage even with the gas fitment. The Vxi also features a completely different Foam based dashboard which absorbs noise very well to give an extremely silent cabin.
I have done about 25000+ kilometers on both cities and highways. The car is extremely comfy on long rides and returns a great mileage per litre or petrol/gas. Btw, this is the only car that I have known to suit retrofitment on LPG or CNG like no other (This is my third car). The car returns about 10-12 kms in city even with AC operating through out.
I am not a youngster and being an executive it was important to have a good car but not to compromised on the cost of ownership (maintenance) and service points. I did try many other options before finally rolling my esteem from the showroom.
A note for genuine esteem lovers, this car also features the same engine as on SWIFT but is a 3 box at a price you cant beat. It is powered by a 32bit ECM contemporary petrol engine with 1.3L displacement. It costed me about 5.72 lacs on road at bangalore.
I wish Maruti did continue this car with necessary modifications to meet safety standards. Having said this (reason they stopped the car), Esteem has been one of the most safest cars on Indian road with good power assisted brakes, Wide tyres and a precise power steering. The only damage is for those who cant stop pushing the pedal after the car crosses 120kmph, yes the car can easily overshoot this figure.
All I can say is I am going to keep driving this one for a few more years comfortably. And I still feel this car has better looks than many others on the road.