The Maruti Suzuki Esteem is one of India’s most well-known and popular sedan models. Produced by Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki, the Esteem has been on the roads since 1994 and is currently in its third generation model. But what exactly is the Esteem and what type of car is it?

Origins and Manufacturing

The history and manufacturing process of the Maruti Esteem help explain its vehicle type and classification.

Joint Venture Between Suzuki and Maruti

Maruti Suzuki India Limited is a joint venture between Japanese automaker Suzuki and Indian company Maruti Udyog. Together they have produced cars specifically for the Indian market since the early 1980s.

Production in India Since 1994

The Esteem was launched in 1994 as Maruti Suzuki’s first premium midsize sedan aimed at the Indian middle class. It has been manufactured locally in India since its introduction.

Based on the Suzuki Cultus/Swift

The original Esteem was actually a rebadged second generation Suzuki Cultus model, which was sold as the Suzuki Swift in other markets. This Japanese hatchback provided the initial platform.

What Type of Car is Maruti Suzuki Esteem?

The Esteem is categorized as a compact sedan that bridges between budget subcompact models and more premium offerings.

Compact Sedan Class

The Esteem is considered a compact or entry-level sedan. It is wider, taller and longer than hatchback models but smaller than full-size sedans.

Seating for 5 Passengers

As a sedan, the Esteem is designed to comfortably seat 5 passengers with legroom comparable to larger car classes. This distinguishes it from more cramped budget cars.

Economical Power and Performance

While affordable, the Esteem offers decent pickup and performance from 1.3 liter and 1.5 liter 4-cylinder petrol engines. Mileage can reach 14-18 km/liter for efficiency.

Key Features and Design Elements

The Esteem boasts practical features and design elements typical of realiable Maruti Suzuki models.

Family Friendly Hatchback Shape

The Esteem maintains the familiar compact hatchback silhouette associated with Maruti Suzuki cars, adding a trunk for expanded cargo space.

Front Engine, Front Wheel Drive

It utilizes a standard front engine, front wheel drive setup with McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension for responsive handling.

Comfort-Focused Interior

Inside, the Esteem focuses on space, seating comfort, visibility and storage. It forgoes luxury frills in favor of practical essentials for Indian families.

The Evolution of Esteem Generations

The Esteem has evolved across three generations since 1994, adding more contemporary features with each update.

First Generation (1994-2003)

The original Esteem changed little over its 9 year model run. It established the affordable sedan’s basic size, power and features like power windows and steering.

Second Generation (2003-2008)

This version featured a sleek redesign with a new dashboard layout, comfortable seats, power steering and clear instrument cluster. It gained widespread popularity.

Third Generation (2008-2014)

The final generation received major updates like redesigned exterior styling, climate control, and an in-dash CD player. It consolidated the Esteem’s success.

Major Esteem Variants

Maruti Suzuki produced different trim variants of the Esteem targeting various budgets and needs.

Maruti Esteem LX

The base LX variant focused on excellent value and fuel efficiency, featuring minimal amenities to keep costs down.

Maruti Esteem VX

The mid-range VX added more comfort features like power steering, front power windows and fabric upholstery.

Maruti Esteem VXI

Top VXI variants included desirable extras like rear power windows, central locking, keyless entry and multi-function steering wheels.

Why the Esteem Was Discontinued

After over 20 successful years, Maruti Suzuki made the decision to discontinue the Esteem in 2014.

Declining Sales

As newer models like the Swift Dzire gained ground, Esteem sales dipped to just 1,300 units per month by 2014 compared to a peak of over 8,000.

Increasing Competition

The compact sedan market grew more crowded with strong new rivals like the Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent challenging the Esteem’s dominance.

Decision to Consolidate

Maruti Suzuki opted to focus manufacturing on fresher designs tailored for contemporary demands over the aging Esteem.

Conclusion

For two decades, the Maruti Suzuki Esteem was the definitive Indian family sedan. As their first locally built midsize model, it introduced millions of households to the comforts and capabilities of a larger sedan without the expense. The Esteem’s simple yet reliable design encapsulated Maruti Suzuki’s reputation for affordable, efficient cars. For many, it represented the achievement of purchasing their first upgraded vehicle. The Esteem played a key role in India’s automotive history and paved the way for today’s fast-growing sedan market.