As we near the first anniversary of the Maruti Versa let’s look at this twin-bodied monster of a car launched with so much fanfare by Bollywood’s biggest B and his fledgling son. After several consecutive flops, the son seems to be finding his feet in stardom. And so does the Versa.
Despite the launch hype the Versa failed to make a mark in the market initially. Its unconventional look, higher price and the confusing positioning of ’two cars in one car’ did not find many takers. However, the changing attitude of consumers towards MPV’s and the recent substantial price cut has led to a massive spurt in the Versa sales - the company sold over 1000 units within 7 weeks of price cut.
If one sees a typical Indian family wherein parents, grand parents, children all live together, they off course would also like to travel together and for this a Multi-Purpose Vehicle is an ideal option. And that’s what made the country’s #1 car manufacturer Maruti introduce Versa. But unlike its smaller cousin Omni which was hugely successful due to its immediately visible benefits of economy & space, Versa has taken some time to shift into high gear. Now with the changing market perception, people ask for a combination of performance and comfort in their set of four wheels along with economy and space. Which is something one can easily expect from the Versa.
Looks-wise, a casual observation of the car will make one feel as if it’s big brother of the Omni or probably a cross between a Wagon R and the Omni but looks apart this vehicle has loads of space and the space management has been intelligently done. The Versa comes with a two-two-three seating combination. The rear seating has got 2 rows of 3 seats each for the DX & DX2 models the SDX has got only two seats in the middle row.
The car comes in two versions and three variants the DX, DX2 and SDX. Though the frills differentiate the variants, but the engine remains the same 82bhp mill from the Esteem. Gearbox and hence the gear ratios are also identical. SDX model offers useful storage space above the rear-view mirror. The model also comes equipped with a rear wiper and washer, though there is surprising absence of rear defroster.
The interiors are plush, with logically laid out controls, adjustable steering wheel and an air-conditioning comprising rear vents which cools even the remotest corners. What is most impressive is the short stubby gear lever, which falls easily to hand. The Speedo contains attractive white dials with a tachometer that looks attractive at night with the orange light. And for those who find the car huge and not suitable for the city’s narrow parking slots, the car’s electronic power steering takes care of the job smoothly.
Versa’s 1.3L engine makes it a pleasure to drive and offers enough power to zip through on highway even on full load. Drivability is good and with in-gear acceleration the Van rocks. The car scores over all the other people carriers in its ability to cruise at high speeds and gliding over potholes with full ease. But what may add dampener is the mileage per liter. Since petrol diesel disparity is still high Maruti should also work on providing a diesel option soon.
With all these features Versa doesn’t miss out the much-sought utilities of a car or a MPV however what surely is missing is the awareness about the benefits of such a vehicle. With time people will get accustomed to its looks and changing lifestyles and better highways will add more vehicles on the road. After having driven the Versa for a week I can sum up that it’s a very practical vehicle and excels as a family vehicle for its internal space management, engine, suspension and icy cool interiors thus keeps up to its name as a versatile vehicle and I’ll not mind calling it as our own Desi Merc MB100 van.If only our very own desi consumers take to the Big V in large numbers, it can well achieve the star status