Maruti Esteem Car History And Review

By Puneet - Sat Jan 10, 3:24 am

Edited byPuneet

maruti_esteem Esteem has been a top selling car model in the market, over the years it has evolved a lot. Here is a elaboration of the growth esteem car model.

Maruti Esteem is actually the upgraded version of the Maruti 1000 which was launched in India in 1990.

Then in 1994,the 1000 was fitted with a 1.3 litre engine (whose output was 65 bhp) and was renamed as the Maruti Esteem. The exterior features were exactly the same as the 1000,the only difference was the badge and a 1.3L badge on both the front fenders near the front door shutline.

In 1994 three models the LX(the base model without power anything),the VX( with power everything and stereo) and the AX(all features of VX with a 3-speed automatic transmission).

There were two prominent V-shaped creases on the bonnet, new reshaped headlights with amber indicator lamps, a triple divided body-colored grille, extensive wraparound rectangular rear lamp assembly running the entire boot. The interior was given a soft rounded look with new dashboard design and a two spoke steering wheel. Mechanicals remained unchanged. This was called the 1998 Esteem and it looked exactly like the 1998 Hungarian-built Suzuki Swift from the dead front.

In the year 2000 the esteem got an electronic MPFI system and now power output stood at a very healthy 85 bhp. It instantly transformed this ordinary no-nonsense family sedan into a car enthusiast delight. That was quite natural because the car weighted a mere 875 Kg with 85 horses under its hood. But there was no external difference with the carbureted model, only sticker at the rear. Then in the year 2002 a Limited Edition Esteem appeared with fake wood inserts on the centre console.

Esteem

In July 2004 the Esteem received a second facelift in which the redesigning exercise introduced clear lens headlamps incorporating orange indicator bulbs within the single assembly, a new prominent Mercedes-Benz shaped compact chrome-bordered radiator grille, rounded fog lamp inserts on the bumpers, an all-new bumper, jewel effect redesigned tail lamps (only the brake lights and the indicators) and new boot lid with a spoiler with integrated stop light. The rear-end now looks much like the 1997 Honda City.

The Maruti Esteem is the booted version of the earlier Suzuki Swift (not the all-new 2004 model).Market surveys showed that the Indian consumers attach greater value and prestige to a 3-box car areas)or a sedan than a hatchback and hence the Swift was given a third box or the boot specifically for India and called the Maruti 1000 (and then the Esteem).Hence it is essentially a proper subcompact four-door front wheel driven hatchback with a well integrated boot that makes it a small sedan, whose length is 4075mm,breadth 1575mm and height 1395mm.

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