The Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) segment of the Indian market has some highly interesting propositions for both budget and premium requirements. The domestic car enthusiasts looking for comfortable and heavy features laden MUV usually opt for Toyota Innova, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Xylo, Tata Sumo Gold and Nissan Evalia, amongst others. On the other hand, those families wishing for a basic and affordable MUV with large seating capacity and voluminous space have several options in the form of Maruti Omni, Maruti Eeco and Tata Venture.
At present, Maruti Suzuki Omni is the cheapest MUV offered to domestic car enthusiasts and has been the best selling product in its class in the past. The primitive looking MUV is available at a price tag starting from just Rs. 2.2 lakhs, which then goes on till Rs. 2.8 lakhs. Maruti Omni is incorporated with a 796 cc, 3 cylinder, 12 cylinder petrol engine, which belts out a peak power output of 32.8 bhp at 5,000 rpm. However, Omni lags behind in terms of fuel efficiency standards with a mileage less than of 10.7 kmpl in city driving conditions and 14.7 kmpl on highways.
Going a little ahead on price ladder, Maruti Suzuki's other product, Eeco is the best selling budget MUV in its segment, at present. Eeco offers a voluminous interior space setting and comfortable seats along with a performance oriented engine under-its-hood as well. The MUV comes fitted with a 1.2 litre, BS IV compliant petrol engine that churns out a peak power of 73 bhp at 6000 rpm and an impressive torque delivery of 101 Nm at 3000 rpm. Maruti Suzuki Eeco is offered to Indian consumers between a price bracket of Rs. 3 lakhs and Rs. 5 lakhs in the domestic utility vehicle market.
Tata Venture is another brilliant product and comes from the end of Tata Motors that fits requisites of an Indian budget MUV. The utility vehicle comes assimilated with a 1.4 litre, 4 cylinder turbo diesel motor that rolls out a peak power of 70 bhp at 4,500 rpm and maximum torque output of 135 Nm at 2,500 rpm. The pricing of Tata Venture is little high as compared to Maruti Eeco because of its efficient diesel engine. At present, Venture is available in Tata stores within a price range of Rs. 4.6 lakhs to Rs. 5.4 lakhs in the country.
At the moment, Maruti Eeco looks like the best budget MUV available in the country. Tata Venture definitely has the upper hand in terms of interior space setting and overall appearance, but does not have the reliability and low maintenance requirements of Maruti Eeco.
