Sep 04, 2004 11:44 AM
12227 Views
(Updated Sep 04, 2004 11:45 AM)
Hi... The All New Esteem was recently launched, a model which has been around for nearly 13 years, and Maruti still has the nerve to call it the All new Esteem. Well all new means what Honda has done to the City, that is All new. All they have done is changed the front, with new headlamps, bumper, but the rear is still the same with modification to the rear lights, to change their layout. The interiors get aluminium inserts on the AC grille and gearshift, but on the top models only.
A fun car to drive none the less, but its age is now showing. 1298cc 4 cylinder engine develops 85 bhp, with excellent gearing and the gear shift is wonderful. The esteem is actually a derivative of the Suzuki swift (old model) which is essentially a hatchback, similarly the Ford Ikon is a derivative of the fiesta, and the Indigo of the indica and so on.
The driving experience of the Esteem is unbeatable still, with terrific acceleration and top end being a great factor, but the light weight doesnt inspire much confidence when pushing it on the highway, isnt a much safe vehicle either compared to the newer other machines.
But there isnt a cheaper machine to maintain, and no other vehicle in its segment that will give a better mileage.
The cons.. well outdated interiors, with poor fit and finish, show that the recent price cut that maruti has brought about is reflected. I got a chance to check out the New esteem at a delearship. the Driver side door cladding was so flimsy that the door handle was making it all come loose when opening or closing the door. The quality of plastics was so bad, dint seem like an esteem at all.
Its time Maruti replaced it with the Suzuki aerio, which is a cab-forward design, just like the new City. But then thats my view, coz the Esteem still sells, and bargains a good resale value in the second hand market. So if it aint broke, dont fit it.
The esteem AX is the automatic version, having a 3 speed gearbox. Great for people looking at stop-go traffic driving, but then u can forget about fuel efficiency and performance, and the automatic transmission in the Esteem is of the old type, so if it breaks down , u can expect major charges, and half the delearships wont know what to do with it.
A good buy for someone looking at the esteem as a second family car. The esteem will still continue to be the class leader in its segment. Im reccomending this car, coz it still sells, and I dont wanna be against the market.
