Maruti Omni To Be Discontinued: 3 Cars That Could Replace The Iconic Van

The old workhorse will be reportedly discontinued once the upcoming BNVSAP safety norms kick in. Here’s a quick look at alternatives you could consider to this iconic minivan  

The Maruti Suzuki Omni is one of the oldest and most hardworking blue-collar cars out there. It has soldiered on for more than 33 years with just a couple of updates since its launch in 1985. However, the implementation of Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) safety norms could spell doom for the budget people carrier post October 2020. So, what options do people have once the Omni gets discontinued? Here’s a look at two current and one upcoming alternatives:

Note: The Maruti Omni is offered in three variants - 5-seater (Rs 2.75 lakh), 8-seater (Rs 2.77 lakh) and Ambulance for (Rs 3.05 lakh, all prices, ex-showroom Delhi).

Maruti Eeco (Rs 3.35 lakh to Rs 6.33 lakh)

The Eeco offers the versatility of a Maruti Omni in a bigger, more modern package. Hence, it will be the natural choice for those seeking a replacement to the old utility van.

• Just like the Omni, it gets versatile sliding doors. However, it can only seat seven passengers unlike the former, which is offered with the option of eight seats. While the Omni can be specced as a cargo van or an ambulance right from the factory, there are no such options for the Eeco. But these are relatively simple modifications which can be made from the authorised/reputed workshops.

• With Eeco’s considerably bigger length, width, height and wheelbase, it should be able to accomodate more passengers as well as cargo.

• Unlike the Omni you also get an AC, making it a more practical buy.

• It gets a bigger and more powerful 1.2-litre engine against the Omni’s 0.8-litre engine.

However, even the Eeco will require some updates to help it pass the BNVSAP norms and secure a better crash test rating. It had scored an abysmal 0 stars during the 2016 Global-NCAP crash tests.

Datsun GO+ (Rs 3.83 Lakh to Rs 5.69 lakh)

The 2018 Datsun GO+ does not have those versatile sliding doors of the Omni that makes ingress/egress relatively easier. But it presents a much stronger case for itself with its modern styling and essential safety kit. It also gets a long list of creature comforts.

• The Datsun GO+ gets foldable second and third row seats that increases cargo capacity. The luggage space after folding third row sits at 347 litres, which is good enough for a couple of big bags and more.

• It gets safety features such as ABS with EBD, dual airbags and rear parking sensors as standard.

• LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and 14-inch alloy wheels make it aesthetically pleasing.

• Features such as a 7-inch touchscreen unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, GPS navigation and other connectivity options make it contemporary.

• You also get an air conditioner, rear wiper and washer, and four power windows.

• It’s more car-like to drive, making it suitable for longer commutes.

Upcoming Renault MPV based on the Kwid (Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh, expected)

• In 2017, under its ‘Drive The Future’ plan, Renault had announced a Kwid-based MPV for the Indian market and the same has already been spied testing in India.

• Just like the Kwid, it will be based on the CMF-A (common module family architecture) platform. So expect it to offer generous space on the inside. It should also be more car-like to drive when compared to the Omni.

• It will also most likely miss the sliding doors of the Omni, but the MPV could make up for it with large doors and a high-set roofline.

• Just like the Datsun GO+, we expect it to feature a decent list of equipment.

• It is likely to feature the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder powertrain from the Datsun. This engine churns out 68PS of power and 104Nm of torque.

• Expect it to be priced between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

We know how iconic the Maruti Omni is and how much of a nostalgic value it holds for many across the country. That said, it is bare bones in the truest sense of the word and needs to make way for a newer breed of cars which meet the current levels of safety, performance and features. What do you feel about the alternatives that we suggested? Are they good enough to sway you away from the Omni? Let us know in the comments below.

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