Maruti re-launched its ageing Esteem with a new look and more features. This change is desirable to keep up with competition. Maruti Esteem offered with three variants VXi, LXi and LX all with Bharat III norms.

 

A new front and rear mark the revised Esteem, and the changes are quite effective. A taller grille, large, clear lamps and a deep chin give the Esteem a ‘junior Baleno’ look. At the rear, the lamps occupy the same area but have been re-done in crystal-effect red, and the reversing lights are separate again. On all-independent suspension, the Esteem sits very low, which can make it difficult to get in and out of.

 
The interior has been freshened up quite by new bits of trim, such as the pretty silver-and-white dials and aluminium-look trim on the centre console and gear knob. The plastics aren’t of the best quality though, and the slider-type air-con controls look particularly cheap. Equipment levels aren’t high either.

 
The rear seat in particular is cramped, and getting in and out of this low car creates problems. Plus, you sit very low, although in front, the low dashboard and windscreen make for great visibility. The height-adjustable driver’s seat does help. The steering wheel gets a larger boss, but the rest is unchanged, bar the upholstery. What has really improved is the rear seat, which now offers better support.

 
The Esteem offers a variant between an 85bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel, and the option of a three-speed auto ’box on the petrol version, and a five-speed manual.

 

The 1.3 petrol, although ancient, is one of the finest engines available in India: built largely out of aluminium, it is refined, powerful, and frugal and loves to be revved. In fact, it can accelerate quicker than an old Honda City VTEC. This engine is virtually bombproof, and a sipper, averaging an amazing 10.1 and 16.7kpl in city and on the highway.

 
The diesel, borrowed from Peugeot, is another excellent power plant, with decent torque and sensational fuel economy, at 14.57kpl in the city and 18.1kpl on the open road. It’s not too powerful, with only 57bhp, but with the Esteem’s low kerb weight, performance is quite respectable nevertheless. Esteem diesel to spit out a somewhat respectable 60 kph. Slightly slower than the Zen D and way slower than the original Peugeot 309 GLD. Engage first gear, release the clutch and mash the throttle so that all those 10 kgm of turning force can be poured onto waiting tarmac. The result is very rich torque-steer and a tendency to pull to the left. However, holding the power-assisted steering steady and going through the Esteem gearbox will reward you with 100 kph in 22 seconds and a 145 kph top speed eventually. This, from a 1527 CC engine that offers 57 bhp at 5000 rpm.

 

Both engines along is the excellent gearbox, which is light and precise, although the too-tall gearing affects drivability. The tall gearing makes the car a composed highway cruiser, especially the diesel. The Esteem is a nimble car in the city, with light controls and nippy handling. The new Esteem has a much-improved ride too, especially at urban speeds. The lack of chassis rigidity, a choppy ride and over-light power steering make it a bit nervous at speeds and it isn’t as confidence-inspiring as some of its rivals.

Filed under: Maruti Cars in India