Buyers Guide for Maruti Suzuki

So this is the brand which has been acquiring precisely 45% of India’s automobile market share for more than two decades. Yes, undoubtedly this the India largest passenger car manufacturing brand. Also it is rated as the no.1 car amongst the hoards of car companies.  The company believes that this has been possible because of their name itself (Maruti another name for Hanuman), but we say no, it is possible because of this company’s effort to give something meaningful and consumer friendly cars. This brand Maruti has been a household name and now the scenario is that as soon as you take the name Maruti (please forbid me from saying that) people consider that you are talking about the brand itself. Maruti Suzuki came into existence in the year 1983 and after that there is no stopping. This company seems to be a true believer of the saying ‘packup your troubles in your old kit bag and bury them beneath the sea’ and this company has truly delivered some of the finest products which has not only made our life easier but also have attached us emotionally with them. So today lets encounter some of the cars manufactured by this company which still pose to be good buys but before that let me warn you that the list is going to be really long.

Maruti Suzuki 800

So we’ll start my list with Maruti ok. What’s wrong about the statement? Oh I didn’t realise it, I’ve been too addicted to say Maruti rather than Maruti 800 that I almost forgot to mention the suffix 800. But anyways my idiotic mistake makes it very clear what this car has done to the company. Isn’t it? Yes, it is. So all the words fail when I talk about Maruti and to tell you honestly I’m a little partial with this car as I myself am attached emotionally with this car. My father used to own a Maruti 800, the green colour one. Though this car will not be available in 13 cities in India, but in the rest of India’s portion it is still available in BS III form. I don’t even doubt this piece of news that in those portions where it is still available Maruti 800 is still capable of flouting all the sales chart rules.

Engine Options:
796cc

Powertrain:
4 speed manual

Power:
37 Bhp@6000 rpm

Torque:
6.3 Kgm @3000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Cost of maintenance.

Thumbs Down:
I beg your pardon but it is not modern enough to be in the list.

Head on Competitors:
Tata Nano and Maruti Suzuki Alto

The Catch:
Rs 1.9 lakhs to Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Omni

I was just browsing through the website of Maruti Suzuki Omni and guess what are the options available there. Its says are looking for a Maruti Suzuki Omni ambulance, Maruti Suzuki Omni Courier, Maruti Suzuki Omni big family or small family and so on. Now tell me what exactly Omni is. Yes that’s what my question was. But then my question itself is the answer. Besides Maruti another vehicle which shares the same trust and bond with the customers is the Maruti Suzuki Omni. This van is available in both five seater and eight seater option. Available in both standard and LPG variant, this van is definitely hit among the masses, which want a vehicle for a big size family and don’t want to pay much for it. Besides this car is also known as the best ambulance as it offers much space and also as a business vehicle or cargo.     No doubt this minivan looks that it has been directly imported from the Stone Age but then it is just simply unbeatable in its category.

Engine Options:
796cc

Powertrain:
4 speed manual

Power:
37 Bhp@6000 rpm

Torque:
6.3 Kgm @3000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Cost of maintenance.

Thumbs Down:
Retro look in this modern world, safety

Head on Competitors:
Maruti Suzuki Eeco

The Catch:
Rs 2.1 lakhs to Rs. 2.8 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Alto

Maruti Suzuki Alto is famous for taking the reign of being the people’s car from Maruti Suzuki 800. The reason being, that this car has the same engine under its hood but generates more horsepower than the latter one. This car has a much sporty look than Maruti 800. This car is easy to drive, handle and offers a decent space inside. Now the company has also added a K10 variant of this car as well. The overall performance and the ride quality seem really improved. Even the comfort features have been improved keeping the recent trend in mind, say for example a Bluetooth stereo. No doubt this car took over the mantle of India’s best selling car.

Engine Options:
796cc\ 998cc

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
47 Bhp@6000 rpm\ 67 Bhp@6200 rpm

Torque:
6.3 Kgm @3000 rpm\ 9.2 Kgm @3500 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Ride quality, fuel efficiency and the overall performance of the K10 engine.

Thumbs Down:
Space is constricted but then it is decent enough not to complain about

Head on Competitors:
Hyundai Santro and Chevrolet Spark.

The Catch:
Rs 2.2 lakhs to Rs. 3.4 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki A-Star

This car Maruti Suzuki A-Star is said to be the best buys in Europe. This car was especially manufactured in India for the purpose of export (at least that’s what the company says). It is definitely a strong entry in the field of small cars. The design of this car is amazing, it plays the same tune as any other modern vehicle would play. This car supports a 998cc petrol engine under its hood. This engine delivers a great performance. Though this car might pose to be difficult on the traffic but then if you really want to see it performance just offer this car an open road. Handling of this car is better than its predecessor. Also, the over all performance of this car is good but then the issue with this car is the cramped up space.

Engine Options:
998cc

Powertrain:
5 speed manual\ 4 speed automatic

Power:
67 Bhp@6200 rpm

Torque:
9.2 Kgm @3500 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Performance and handling

Thumbs Down:
Space is limited

Head on Competitors:
Hyundai i10 and Maruti Estilo

The Catch:
Rs 3.1 lakhs to Rs. 4.8 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Estilo

So, the old Maruti Suzuki Zen was re-designed and was launched as Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo. This car is supposed to have a ‘jelly bean design’. But this car has not been able to match up with the sales figure of Maruti Suzuki Zen. So, recently the company remodelled the car, and provided it with bigger headlamps, bumpers and grille. From inside the two tone interiors appears to be elegant. Also this car has been added many comfort features to make it more appealing. This car sports a 998cc petrol engine which is BS IV complaint. The amazing part of this car is that this car offers a decent space inside and also the fuel efficiency of this car is worth applauding. The problem however with this car is that in addition to the uncomfortable handling it also has a bad ride quality.

Engine Options:
998cc

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
67 Bhp@6200 rpm

Torque:
9.2 Kgm @3500 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Fuel economy and cabin space

Thumbs Down:
Ride quality

Head on Competitors:
Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Beat

The Catch:
Rs 3.32 lakhs to Rs. 4.3 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki has always been referred to as one of the consumer friendly car manufacturers. One such car is the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. This car has been the best selling car undoubtedly because of the comfort which it delivers to its customers. This car might look like an overgrown boy but then that particular feature doesn’t pose as a hindrance in its sales figures. This car offers a great cabin space, the seating arrangement makes it even more spacious. Fitted with the 1L engine which can be coupled with either petrol or CNG attaches a great value with this car. Build quality of this car is really good and with that ride quality this car offers it like cherry on top of the cake. The problem with such a huge height and bigger built is that one tends to expect a good boot space but this car doesn’t approve that just one last wish.

Engine Options:
998cc

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
67 Bhp@6200 rpm

Torque:
9.2 Kgm @3500 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Fuel economy and cabin space

Thumbs Down:
Boot space

Head on Competitors:
Ford Figo, Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Beat

The Catch:
Rs 3.3 lakhs to Rs. 4.3 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz

This car since the time of its inception was the much awaited car in its segment and I won’t be wrong to say that it certainly has done a really good job by far. In international market Maruti Suzuki has replaced Maruti Suzuki Wagon R with this car. It possess the same tall genes of Wagon R. Handling of this car is really good which helps to provide an adequate ride quality but the real pain is its rear bumpy suspension. The strongest features about this car is that this car comes fitted with a 1.2 litre petrol engine which according to me the best in its own way. This car is also available in 1.3 litre diesel engine and this engine is simply phenomenal. Definitely Maruti Suzuki Ritz makes a great choice in its segment.

Engine Options:
1197cc (1.2 petrol) \ 1248cc (1.3 diesel)

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
86 Bhp@6000 rpm \ 74 Bhp@4000

Torque:
11.5 Kgm @4500 rpm\ 19.4 Kgm @ 2000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Handling and space

Thumbs Down:
Odd ball looks, Rear suspension proves to be a real pain in the…

Head on Competitors:
Ford Figo, Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Beat.

The Catch:
Rs 4 lakhs to Rs.5.8 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

As soon as Maruti Suzuki launched its Maruti Suzuki Swift, the company managed to change the whole scenario of the hatchback cars in India. The car has been a game changer since its launch. The best feature of this car was its chassis, design and especially its engine. This car is available in total 8 variants so as to meet various demands made by customers. Besides, this car has been available in two variants namely the 1.2 litre petrol engine and the 1.3 litre turbo diesel engine. Both the engines offer an excellent performance. It was and its the best buys under hatchback category.

Engine Options:
1197cc (petrol)\ 1298cc (TD)

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
87 Bhp @ 6000 rpm/ 75 Bhp @ 4000 rpm

Torque:
11.5 Kgm @4500 rpm\ 19 Kgm @2000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Style quotient and value for money

Thumbs Down:
Space is bit cramped up

Head on Competitors:
Volkswagen Polo and Indica Vista

The Catch:
Rs 4.1 lakhs to Rs. 5.8 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire

At first when I looked at the new Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire I knew that there are some differences between Swift and Swift DZire. The former was a hatchback and the latter one was a sedan. But then when I looked at the configurations, to my utter surprise there is not even slightest difference between both the cars. Anyways right now I will only talk about Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire. This car has been one of the favourites in its segment. It has been an instant success. This car has a hot-body which is mated with the exemplary features. I won’t talk about the engine as it is exactly similar as in Maruti Suzuki Swift. Besides the body this car offers a good seating space which is not there in Maruti Suzuki Swift but then this car lacks in its style quotient which is a plus point in Swift.

Engine Options:
1197cc (petrol)\ 1298cc (TD)

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
87 Bhp@ 6000 rpm / 75 Bhp@ 4000 rpm

Torque:
11.5 Kgm @4500 rpm\ 19 Kgm @2000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Space, price

Thumbs Down:
Style quotient

Head on Competitors:
Hyundai Accent and Tata Indigo Manza

The Catch:
Rs 4.8 lakhs to Rs. 7.5 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki SX4

Maruti was way behind its sedan category and the new Honda entrant made them realise that there is a sudden need of a sedan car from their shed. Hence the company introduced a new hot-bod sedan Maruti Suzuki SX4. Though it was practically much much better than the Honda City but anyhow this car couldn’t do well in the market and on top of that Maruti launched a new entry in the market in the name of Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire which practically scaled of all the possible grip SX4 could have managed to bag. To my utter surprise this car still has some grunt left. This car will soon be launched by the company in a new and improved version. According to me, this car delivers an excellent value for money but then I still can’t figure out why this car lacks in cutting those sales figures.

Engine Options:
1586cc

Powertrain:
5 speed manual\ 4 speed automatic

Power:
104 Bhp@5500 rpm

Torque:
14.5 Kgm @4200 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Its hot-bod, ground clearance, automatic option

Thumbs Down:
Not so powerful engine

Head on Competitors:
Volkswagen Vento, Honda City and Hyundai Verna Transform

The Catch:
Rs 7.1 lakhs to Rs. 8.9 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

I remember the song ‘the best of me’ as soon as started this article. The reason behind such an off-track statement is that this SUV is one of its kinds SUV. It says take me anywhere and I will still give you the best of me. Though its best is not the best enough but it is definitely better than many of its competitors. The old version of this SUV used to carry a 2.0 litre engine which was then changed by the company to a 2.4 litre one. I know this SUV lacks that X factor but it is still good.

Engine Options:
2388cc

Powertrain:
5 speed manual\ 4 speed automatic

Power:
165 Bhp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:
22.8 Kgm @ 4000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Off road skills and looks

Thumbs Down:
Maruti badge

Head on Competitors:
Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander

The Catch:
Rs 17.1 lakhs to Rs. 18.8 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi

I’m just 1day away from the launch of this utter beautiful and dazzling new entrant in the Indian automobile market. This all new Maruti Suzuki Kizashi poses to be one of the strongest contenders in its segment. Yes, even before its launch this car has already shaken many of its competitors. You probably might have read the various articles on our website about this new comer and the reason behind writing so much about a car is that this car proves to be one of the most promising cars. This car is a CBU which makes it enough pricey to make you think twice before you’ll actually purchase it. But if you did this car surely won’t let you down. Though I know it’s too early to comment but then I can’t help it.

Engine Options:
2388cc

Powertrain:
6 speed manual / 6 speed CVT

Power:
175.6 Bhp@6500 rpm

Torque:
23.4 Kgm @4000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Dynamics and the quality

Thumbs Down:
Rear seat space

Head on Competitors:
Volkswagen Passat, Honda Accord and Skoda Superb

The Catch:
Rs 17 lakhs to Rs. 19.8 lakhs (expected)

Maruti Suzuki Eeco

Remember the old ad for Maruti Suzuki Versa. Why I’m asking you to remember it? There are two reasons, the first is that both AB junior and senior used to advertise for it and secondly that this is one of the Maruti’s rare failures. But Maruti is still holding to this minivan as they have launched a stripped down version of this minivan in the name of Maruti Suzuki Eeco. This minivan has been able to get the required sales figures. In short this new minivan has been dong fairly well in the market. This car is also available in CNG option. According to me this minivan is a no nonsense vehicle which believes in delivering performance, trust and reliability. This is a cheerful vehicle though it has some negative aspects as this car offers a ‘seriously’ bumpy ride and lacks in comfort features.

Engine Options:
1196cc

Powertrain:
5 speed manual

Power:
73 Bhp@6000 rpm

Torque:
10.3 Kgm @3000 rpm

Thumbs Up:
Economical and space inside.

Thumbs Down:
Back to basics is too old fashioned and the derriere hurts really bad because of its bumpy ride

Head on Competitors:
Maruti Suzuki Omni

The Catch:
Rs 2.5 lakhs to Rs. 3.8 lakhs.