Maruti Suzuki is shaking things up in the budget MPV space again. This time, it’s with the ever-popular Eeco, which now gets six airbags as standard across the range. That’s right—six airbags in an entry-level MPV that costs under ₹10 lakh. If you’re someone who needs space for the whole family (and maybe a little more), this news should definitely catch your eye.
Upgrade
Let’s talk safety first. The Eeco has been a workhorse for families and small business owners alike, but it’s never been known for its high-end safety features—until now. Maruti has added six airbags to all private-use variants of the Eeco. So, front and side curtain airbags are now standard, putting it in line with the newer safety norms and consumer expectations.
However, there’s a small catch. If you’re considering the Eeco for commercial use—like school vans or cargo—the six airbags don’t come along for the ride. Only the private-use variants get the full airbag treatment. Still, it’s a step in the right direction for a car that has been around since 2010 with very minimal updates over the years.
Seating
Now, here’s another interesting twist. Maruti has introduced a six-seat configuration for the Eeco, replacing the older seven-seat option. While this might seem like a step back in capacity, it’s likely a move to improve comfort and safety. Cramming seven people into a small MPV often means sacrificing space and practicality. With six seats, you’re getting better room per passenger and improved airbag coverage.
This change also makes the Eeco the first MPV in its price bracket to offer a three-row, six-seat configuration with six airbags—something that even costlier rivals don’t always deliver.
Engine
Under the hood, nothing’s changed—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Eeco continues to be offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 80bhp and 105Nm of torque. Opt for the CNG version, and you get 69bhp and 95Nm. The five-speed manual gearbox remains the sole transmission option, keeping things simple and efficient.
Here’s a quick look:
| Variant | Engine Type | Power Output | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1.2L | 80bhp | 105Nm | 5-speed MT |
| CNG | 1.2L | 69bhp | 95Nm | 5-speed MT |
These figures won’t blow your mind, but they get the job done for city runs and short highway trips, especially if you’re prioritizing budget over performance.
Competition
With these new updates, the Eeco’s closest rivals—like the Renault Triber and Datsun GO+—now have serious catching up to do. Most entry-level MPVs don’t offer six airbags, let alone a six-seat layout that prioritizes comfort. For buyers who’ve been sitting on the fence, this upgrade could tip the scales in Eeco’s favor.
Pricing
Maruti hasn’t announced the price of the new six-seat version just yet. But knowing their pricing strategy, expect it to be just a tad higher than the outgoing seven-seater. If it lands anywhere under ₹9 lakh (on-road), it could become the go-to option for safety-conscious budget buyers.
Maruti’s decision to beef up the Eeco with more airbags and a new seat layout shows they’re not just meeting regulations—they’re listening to what the market wants. Whether you’re a small family looking for an affordable ride or someone who just wants a bit more peace of mind on the road, the updated Eeco deserves a serious look.
FAQs
Does the Eeco now have 6 airbags?
Yes, all private variants of the Eeco now come with six airbags.
Is there a 7-seater Eeco now?
No, the new six-seat version has replaced the previous seven-seater.
Are airbags available in the commercial Eeco?
No, six airbags are only available in the private-use variants.
What engine does the Eeco use?
The Eeco uses a 1.2L petrol engine, also available in CNG.
What is the Eeco’s power output?
It makes 80bhp in petrol and 69bhp in CNG mode.
