The Maruti Eeco is all set to receive a new lease of life in the form of a BS-VI compliant engine. Earlier this year, it had received various safety upgrades. It came with a driver-side airbag, ABS and rear parking sensors, and other updates as standard.
Furthermore, the Maruti Eeco will also see a future update with some structural enhancements making it safe enough to pass the upcoming BNVSAP crash test norms which come into effect from 1 October 2019. Also, its front fascia will be updated as per upcoming pedestrian safety norms which will be seen into action from 1 October 2020.
In order to meet the upcoming (1 April 2020) BS-VI standards, the Maruti Eeco will be given a BS-VI compliant engine. The company will be left with no option but to upgrade the current 1.2L G-Series petrol engine, as the latest K-Series petrol engines aren't fit for the job because of their transverse-mounted, front-wheel-drive layout; the Eeco requires longitudinal engine layout and rear-wheel-drive architecture. The BS-IV 1.2L G-Series four-cylinder unit generates 73 PS and 101 Nm of torque in petrol form, and 63 PS and 85 Nm of torque when running on CNG. The engine delivers an ARAI-rated output of 15.37 km/l on gasoline and 21.94 km/kg on CNG. With the updated emissions, the output and fuel economy rating is expected to vary a little.
Also Read: Meet Gymni - The toughest modified Maruti Omni ever seen!
With the BS-VI update, the new Maruti Eeco's prices would go higher from INR 3.52-4.86 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) now. Maruti Suzuki has sold over 5,00,000 units of the Eeco ever since it went on sale in early 2010.
[Source: Autocar India]
