Maruti to upgrade Eeco, Omni to meet crash safety norms

According to a media report, Maruti Suzuki is likely to upgrade the Eeco and Omni to meet the new crash test norms that will come into force on October 1, 2019. CV Raman, Executive Director (engineering), Maruti Suzuki India Limited has told the media that the carmaker is evaluating various possibilities for the Omni and Eeco in order to meet future emission and safety regulations. 

Both the Omni and Eeco are based on out-dated platforms that weren't designed to meet modern safety regulations. This became more evident when the Eeco scored a zero star rating in Global NCAP crash tests. Despite this, both models amount to around 10% of Maruti's monthly volumes, which is about 12,000-13,000 units per month.

Future iterations of the Omni and Eeco will have to undergo various crash tests including full frontal impact, offset frontal impact and side impact tests. Apart from crash safety norms, stricter emission regulations will also come into force from April 1, 2020. Thus, both models will have to be upgraded with BS-VI engines.

Currently, both cars are powered by BS-IV petrol engines. The Omni is powered by a 796 cc, 3-cylinder engine that produces 34 BHP @ 5,000 rpm and 59 Nm @ 2,500 rpm. A 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with 72 BHP and 101 Nm of torque on the other hand powers the Eeco.

Source: Money Control