MARUTI Udyog Ltd launched the 1.3-litre `Versa’, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on Wednesday. Sporting a price of over Rs 5 lakh, the car is targeted at families and corporate buyers. The Versa is being launched in three variants, including two deluxe eight seater versions and a super deluxe 7-seater version. While the entry model Versa will be priced at Rs 5.15 lakh in Delhi showrooms, the other two variants will carry a price tag of Rs 5.45 lakh (DX2 model) and Rs 5.80 lakh (SDX) respectively. Maruti Versa is a multi utility vehicle and combines features of both the car and van. Maruti versa comes in three variants-Maruti Versa, Maruti Versa DX, and Maruti Versa DX2.
Versa has a most powerful and responsive 16 valves, 1298 cc engine generating 82 bhp at 6000 rpm, and controlled by a 16-bit Engine Management System. Versa has a higher Power to Weight ratio than any MUV, resulting in superior pick up and acceleration. Maruti Versa has several innovative features. Its flexi seating option enables you to adjust space as per your requirement. The Maruti Versa DX2 variant comes with twin AC. The Twin AC is 2 independent cooling units, one in front and one at the rear, for uniform all round cooling. The rear AC has independent controls and overhead ducts.
This utility car has a 1298cc petrol engine, with dimensions of 3675(L) X 1475(W) X 1905(H) mm and weights 930kg. It has wheelbase and turning radius of 2350mm and 4.5 meters respectively. It takes 6.26secs to reach from 0-60kph and has a fuel economy of 11kpl/12kpl on urban and highway. It also comes with factory fitted heater and has additional features like electronic multi trip meter molded floor and trunk carpets, cabin lamp, and is available in 6 colors. It has safety features like front and rear seat belts, collapsible steering column, side and front impact beams and childproof rear door and window locks. Variants available are 1.3 DX, 1.3DX2 and 1.3 SDX.
The Versa, at first glance conjures up a memory of the high-roof version of the Omni, but the picture vanishes as soon as it appears. The Versa is a universe apart, and as one takes in its looks, the evolution of ‘people mover’ is all too apparent to the eye. For one, the pout of a bonnet ahead instantly ensures better occupant safety during a frontal collision, while in terms of styling and fit and finish, the difference is perceptible too.
And, no, you haven’t been short-changed if you pop the bonnet and find only a radiator, a few essential-fluids flaps and the car jack inside – the Versa’s Esteem-derived, four cylinder, 1298 CC, fuel injected mill cosies itself beneath driver and co-passenger front seats. With 82 peak horses and 10.4 kgm of maximum hauling power, that’s liberal juice for lugging up to eight passengers, or about 600 kg, in payload terms.
Style and substance
The Versa is not going to win any beauty pageants. It’s not at all bad-looking from up front or side-on, it could even be termed as handsome, but a look at its derriere, and you know there’s something missing in the packaging here. A skirt below the rear bumper would help matters a lot by lending the vehicle a better-grounded appearance. Helped by the fact that the rubber is mounted on smart alloys, the SDX version looks a lot more purposeful than its other two siblings, though its roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated stop lamp doesn’t still lend that essential and missing character to the rear-end.
The Versa chattered into quiet life as the ignition key was cranked. Looking around, there was this inimitable Suzuki quality to the interiors; in fact one could draw almost direct comparisons with the Wagon R. Although those numerous cubby-holes and cup holders that liberally dot the original tall boy’s interiors were missing. The view of the road ahead was slightly more commanding though, thanks to the vehicle’s taller stance while the front two seats were comfortable enough – firm, supportive and ensuring complete support for the back. Overall ergonomics are above average too, with all controls falling to hand easily, especially that gear knob that slotted so effortlessly.
Six footer will feel quite at home behind the wheel, while the well endowed will welcome the tilt steering system in the top two versions. If you are in the rear seat, ride quality falls in the Wagon R/ Santro league and that means it’s not going to be too comfortable over long highways. There’s plenty of leg room to compensate however, while shoulder room is adequate enough to seat three weight-conscious adults side by side. Bigger built people will find it a bit of a squeeze for the shoulders; this is no Qualis or Sumo, remember? Seat up to eight people (seven in the SDX) from the office car pool and barely have enough room for overnight luggage, or keep reducing the passenger manifest until you have just the two of you and a month-load of camping luggage… the Versa will switch from business to pleasure and people to goods magically.
So what else is special to the Versa? While air-con is standard across trim levels, the top-end SDX and the one-rung-lower DX2 sport separate side-mounted air-con vents for rear passengers; the basic DX gets the usual facia blowers instead. The rear air-con vents are positioned directly above the windows, and this does a very efficient job of cancelling out the heat that comes through the wind-down glass in the first place. Electric power steering is common to all versions as is the digital trip meter and electronic tachometer. While you are at it Maruti, could you bung an air con unit into the poor old Omni too?
Fast forward
Driving the Versa is an enjoyable experience. With four passengers on board, the Versa pulls away rapidly, while the short ratio gearing adopted for its load-hauling applications makes it more drive able than the Esteem. Gearshifts can be executed snappily, and while the shifter doesn’t have the light crispness of the Esteem, it’s a lot less rubbery in quality when contrasted with other contemporary cars from the Maruti Suzuki bunch like the Wagon R.
The light clutch allows for slipping and repeated harassment of this robust unit even in a blazing, 38° Celsius ambient temperature doesn’t evince even the slightest hint of stickiness or burning. For those inclined towards high-revving take-offs, the Versa is quite game, though because of its rear wheel drive configuration, it is nearly impossible to spin up the tyres while launching the vehicle on a sand-free stretch of tarmac. Incidentally, over the silky smooth and newly laid stretches of road in and around Manesar, the Versa clocked all of 140 kph quite easily when spurred, but hang on till we do a road test for those performance numbers.
The power-assisted steering system makes light work of hauling the Versa around corners and combined with its 4.5 meter turning radius, is a boon while parking. The downside of this over-served system is that road feedback progressively gives out past 80 kph, combined with a degree of steering play that eases into the equation. So don’t expect responsive crispness of steering when you hustle this MPV towards and into three-digit speeds. The vehicle feels very stable at straight-line speeds, and this is aided to quite an extent by the matte-black air dam incorporated under the front bumper.
Reducing the airflow below, and therefore the resultant lift that occurs at high speed, makes the vehicle ’sit’ close to the road. With the windows up, crosswinds do not do much to affect straight-line, high speed dynamics. Drop a window at over 100 kph though, and the resulting turbulence will make the Versa meander gently from its designated line – nothing unusual or alarming. In fact it’s actually surprising that overall dynamics have been fine-tuned this well, considering the large surface profile this MPV presents.
The Versa, if provoked into the act, is tail-happy (and can be fun, as I found out) when it comes to taking fast corners. A special mention must be made of its lack of pitching while braking hard and no perceptible body roll when tackling faster turns. The quality of ride is good when the going is rough and at higher speeds, but with a complement of four passengers, the Versa tends to pitch a bit over the small undulations that might occur over a stretch of smooth road.
Design Engineering and interiors
The Versa was expected to provide an alternative to the long running but highly compromised Omni, offering more comfort, better safety and an all-round, more modern feel. To provide seven-passenger seating in a tiny footprint, the Versa has had to go vertical and melt into a one-and-a-quarter box shape, which clearly marks it out as an MPV. It is by no means a sharp-looking design, and in fact the narrow, tall proportions are a turn-off for many. It tries not to look offensive, but ends up being simply bland; details like the wraparound headlamps are quite nice, but overall, the slab-like surfacing, tiny wheels and van-like shape make it one of the less successful styling exercises.
Mechanically, it follows a traditional, simple van layout, with the engine placed longitudinally under the front seats, driving the rear wheels. The front suspension is independent, with Macpherson struts, with modifications to control body roll; the rear uses a non-independent, three-link set-up with a live axle and coil springs. The Versa is largely designed around the interior, which Maruti has tried to make as car-like as possible; it looks rather like the Wagon R’s dashboard, but there’s no getting away from the unfamiliar, high seating position. Visibility is great, and the short bonnet gives you a far greater sense of security than the bonnet-less Omni. The front seats are fairly comfy, but could have done with lower back support; ergonomics are fine, with all controls logically laid out and falling easily to hand. The steering wheel and driver’s seat are also height-adjustable.
The Versa comes in a few different versions, from the stripped-out five-seater DX standard, through the eight-seater DX and DX2 to the seven-seater SDX; these seats flip and fold in a number of combinations, making for a pretty flexible cabin. The middle seat in the SDX is comfy, but passengers in the two, third-row seats would be stuck for legroom. Although headroom is plentiful, width is mingy, and passengers will have to be good friends to survive a long journey sitting three abreast. The high floor also makes for a knees-up position, which is quite uncomfortable. Luggage space isn’t great with all three rows in place, but is adequate if the last row is flipped forward.
The Versa employs the same 1.3-litre engine and gearbox that do duty in the Esteem, albeit with a few changes to accommodate for the different purpose. The gearbox ratios are different, and the engine has had slight modifications to its head and valve gear. Both engine and transmission are reliable and run trouble-free, provided they have been serviced at the correct intervals. Problems that could crop up are few but do check the electrical system, especially if the previous owner has fitted additional accessories like a video screen and DVD player. Stay away from a potential buy if you feel that the installation of these components has not been done by a professional.
Tracing an electrical problem can prove to be a nightmare. Also check the tyres. The Versa comes with 13-inch 155/80 size radials as standard. Many owners have shifted to wider and lower profile 175/70 size tyres that improve the handling and grip considerably. Mileage will drop but only slightly, so if the car you are looking at has these tyres, it is a good thing. Tyres on the Versa usually last for around 35,000-40,000km, but prematurely worn tyres could mean the alignment is out which, in turn, is indicates the car might have been involved in a shunt. Check the areas around the front suspension, the differential at the rear and its housing for signs of crash damage.
Also, if possible, get the car up on a ramp and check the underbody for signs of damage. Open the bonnet, and check the radiator mounting and the upper panel for evidence of a front-end collision. Also check the uneven or broken sealant lines under the bonnet for telltale signs of an accident. The Versa body is not prone to rusting, so if you do see signs of rust, walk away. It could be due to a bad repair job after an accident. On a test drive, find an open stretch of road and brake hard. The car should brake in a straight line, without pulling to either side. The brakes and brake linings last for around 35,000km after which they need attention.
The Versa interiors tend to looks scruffy after use, but this is not much of an issue as a simple shampoo job will set things right. The steering wheel and the gear lever too turn shiny after use. The Versa comes in three trim levels. The DX1 which has one air con, the DX2 with two separate compressors, a feature found only on more expensive vehicles, and the SDX, with alloy wheels, a roof spoiler and graphics pasted on the sides. The air con is generally trouble-free and requires a service around 30,000km.
Other areas to check are the steering boot, the tie rod ball joints and the wheel bearings which may need work around the same odo reading due to general wear and tear. Spare parts for the Versa are expensive due to the high content of Japanese parts in the car. This could be a problem — so buy one only if you are sure it is in good shape.
The Versa is a very driver-friendly car and is easy to drive and park in town because of its high seating position and easy controls. It can carry eight people in relative comfort, and comes with the Maruti’s mighty service backup. Also look at Maruti’s True Value second-hand car mart. As always, the car will be slightly more expensive, but will come with a six-month guarantee on engine and drive train components. Come to think of it, it doesn’t look too bad either.
Technical Specifications
| Dimensions | |
| Overall length | 3675 mm |
| Overall width | 1475 mm |
| Overall height | 1905 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2350 mm |
| Wheel track Front | 1280 mm |
| Rear | 1290 mm |
| Turning radius | 4.5 mts |
| Weight | |
| Unladen weight | Versa - 930 kg, DX - 975 kg, DX2 - 985 kg |
| Laden weight | Versa, DX & DX2 - 1585 Kg |
| Engine | |
| Type | 4 stroke cycle, all aluminium water cooled SOHC, MPFI |
| Cylinders | In-line 4 |
| No. of valves | 4/cylinder |
| Piston displacement | 1298 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 74 x 75.5 (mm) |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 ± 0.2 |
| Maximum output | 82 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 102 Nm (10.4 kgm) @ 3000 rpm |
| Transmission | Manual 5 forward, all-synchromesh, 1 reverse |
| Chassis | |
| Steering | Rack & pinion, power assisted (DX & DX2) |
| Brakes Front Rear | Booster assisted ventilated disc Booster assisted drum |
| Suspension Front Rear | McPherson strut with torsion type roll control device Coil spring with three link rigid axle and isolated trailing arms |
| Tyre size | 155/80 R 13 LT |
| Capacity | |
| Seating | DX & DX2 - 8 persons & Versa - 5 persons |
| Fuel tank | 40 litres |
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