An Absolute Sensation. Review on Maruti Suzuki Versa

We wanted a car that can accommodate more than five very comfortably and carry enough luggages during weekend drive. My first choice was Qualis however launch of Travera drags us to GM’s showroom. Me and my younger son were quite impressed by that giant but wife was having different opinion. After riding a Sumo for quite some time, I also wanted to drive a Petrol Driven car. So choice narrowed down to Versa.

Very reluctantly took a test drive and was quite surprised by its performance. However I could not take final decision. After reading few reviews at MS decided to take one more test drive. This drive was of about 10 KM on the highway. It was a DX2 model. Versa proved me wrong because I always underrated its performance. That was a wonderful experience and could decide to own one without a second thought.

Driving the Versa is a pleasant experience. Maneuvering requires minimum effort in spite of its large size and pick up is better than many petrol driven new cars. Superb drivability due to excellent Engine (1.3 L) and Power Steering endows superb cruising power to Versa. It’s a van but you can get the comforts and sophistication of a car. It has many variants but we have gone for DX2, an eight seater (2x3x3) with twin AC, because it is readily available. Front doors have power windows & armrest and rear doors have child-locks. Versa is for big families but it is a pleasure to drive about 90 KM per day for going to factory and carrying few colleagues while returning at night. It is a big vehicle however driving in city is not a problem due to low turning radius.

Long distance traveling is very comfortable due to huge space and perfect cooling due to twin blower AC. It accommodates my tall friends very comfortably. This vehicle is very stable even at high-speed inspite of its large shape. Fuel economy is better than most mid-size cars available in the market. Not yet completed 5000 km mark but getting 12+ KML with AC on.

Engine-

Among most of the MVU Versa has a higher Power to Weight (about 970 kgs; may be 1000 with accessories) ratio resulting in superior pick up and acceleration. Engine makes less noise than diesel engines of this MVU segment. By satisfying Bharat Stage II emission norms it becomes environment friendly.

Versa has most powerful and responsive 16 valve, 1298 cc engine generating 82 bhp at 6000 rpm controlled by a 16 bit Engine Management System. DDLI (dry coil double distributor-less ignition) and cam position sensor controlled ignition timing produce instant ignition in all weather conditions.

Seat arrangements in eight seater DX2 version-

Versa has Flexi-seating so that one can convert the interior space according to the requirements. One can Slide and tilt back the front row seats to adjust leg space and space between the first and middle rows.

Second row is having two seats – one can accommodate two persons (medium size) and smaller one on the left for a one person. The smaller seat can be double folded so that people can easily go to the third bench type seat. All the seats of the second row are having back folding forward. Double seat folds down like a table for those who are compelled to have lunch at site or work place or wants to have site level conference.

Bench type seat of third row is equally comfortable and having seat belts. This row can be double folded to create space to accommodate big bags or even a 100 liters fridge or a washing machine.

Safety features –

Versa is one of the safest cars on the road. It has Side impact absorbing beams in all four doors to protect the passengers from side impacts. Front impact beams between the front pillars and the steering column provide some protection you from head on collisions. A steel pipe frame in the rear safeguards passengers from rear impacts. Seat belts even for the rear seats allow free movement and protects during sudden stoppages due to a huge cow even on toll roads.

Wrap up -

Versa is one more good vehicle from Maruti-Suzuki and I have no hesitation to recommend it to my friends who like to have an all purpose vehicle. Versa is a multipurpose van that can give you the driving pleasure of a modern car and flexibility that no one can give. If you have the budgetary limit of INR 5 Lakh (all inclusive) than Versa is the right choice.

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5 June 2005

Crossed 25,000 KM and it is as good as new. Two long drives in last one year and its a pleasure to travel in such a spacious vehicle. During winter tried the heater and its powerful.

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23 May 2006

Exchanged it with a SWIFT after two years of association and covering almost 50000 km.

A nice car for long highway drive with family or friends. Better to have tube-less tyers.

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