Maruti Suzuki Omni Discontinued from the Indian Car Market

Expert Review: The largest car manufacturing company in India, Maruti Udyog Limited launched its new family Van Maruti Omni, just after the introduction of its first car, in 1985. This multi – utility van, launched initially as a 5 – Seater vehicle became an ideal and a suitable companion to fulfill most of the family requirements, and also for a laid back holiday or picnic. Later, with the launch of its 8 - Seater variant, it featured a substantial increase in space and with ample amount of head and leg room for everyone, it became an essential family requirement and also ideal for people who travel frequent long trips.

The base variant, Maruti Omni MPI Cargo is has not been installed with back seats and is specially designed as a cargo van for industries. Also, Maruti designed a special Ambulance variant of Omni to suit the needs of the Hospitals and clinics. Its sober body graphics, sporty and powerful design and performance, ample amount of space and family size capacity has made it the most successful utility van on the roads of India. Both 5 – Seater and 8 - Seater versions have been provided with sliding back doors and ha tchbacks. The maximized cargo space and traction has been made possible because of the use of the front mid-engine rear wheel drive layout in Maruti Omni. The LPG variant of Maruti Omni comes with a 60 litre capacity LPG cylinder along with a reserve petrol tank with a capacity of 5 litres. The petrol variant of Omni comes with a superior MPFI technology, capable of churning out a maximum power of 27 bhp at 4500 rpm, and also allowing lower emissions with greater fuel efficiency. The buyers of Maruti Omni also get an additional greater advantage of a higher pulling power of 35 bhp at 5000 rpm capable of churning out a top torque of 6.1Kg – m at 3000 rpm; while its superior MPFI engine meets the norms of BS III (Bharat Stage III).

Maruti Omni Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

The 4 speed manual transmission gearbox installed in the 796 cc MPFI engine of the family sized Maruti Van, Maruti Omni ensures a smooth ride with a better fuel efficiency along with a mileage of 13 Km/ L in the city area which rises up to 20 Km/ L on the highways. The aerodynamics and design of the 36 litre tank capacity Maruti Van tend to limit its top speed/ because of its slight instability at its top speed due to its high stance. The Van may seem to bounce around on uneven terrain.

Please note that all variants of the Maruti Omni deliver the same mileage and fuel efficiency statistics.

Maruti Omni Variants and Features

 
Compare Maruti Omni Models

Maruti Omni Engine, Power and Performance

The Engine of the Maruti Omni is an exceptional 796 cc engine that has been well encoded on to the MPFI (Multi-point fuel Injection) platform known for an ensemble in smoother acceleration. The gasoline engine is very capable and light which becomes a key factor in the swiftness of the car. However, the Omni is not meant for a rough and tough drive through remote terrains yet it still surely is comfortable for long city drives. With decent levels of mileage and engine specifications, the Omni catches much of attention in the commercial customer market. Whether required; the Taxis, school vans or the ambulances, the Omni handles all very efficiently. The Omni has a maximum power of 35 bhp at 5000 rpm and a torque of 6.1 Kgm at 3000 rpm.  The 36 litre fuel tank capacity along with the minimum turning radius of 4.1 m of the vehicle make it ideal for use as a utility Van and for long drive and family picnics. The engine is mounted underneath the front seats and has been installed with sliding doors. The 3370 mm long, 1410 mm wide, and 1640 mm high Van, Maruti Omni, has a 4 - speed forward manual transmission gear system with synchromesh and one reverse.

Maruti Omni Pickup and Acceleration

All variants of the compact Maruti MUV or Van deliver a torque of about 6.1 Kgm at 3000 rpm and a power of about 35 bhp at 5000 rpm with a top speed of 95 Km/ h. The statistics are quite favorable of the fact that the car is a mid-sized family van with not much detailing to the power of the engine, out of the question in a 2- 3 lac 6- 8 seater car.

Maruti Omni Interiors and Features

The sincere interiors of the Omni might not be sufficiently well dressed and very pleasing to the eyes but are admirable in their own way, the comfort seats of the car offer a peaceful and relaxed drive, typical of a van and the car has ample space for a number of people. The Omni sounds as good in the styling as well with a decent looking steering panel and console that has a number of ergonomic controls. There is space for audio system and other accessories as well in the van. Also the AC vents have been well structured and placed that add to the looks of the dashboard. There is less to talk about when it comes to the door trims that are rarely graphic in appearance and resemble much of a simple and ordinary look. The room in the cabin is though ample; however you may not find enough space to stretch your legs. The Omni does not compensate on the fact that it is very suitable for commercial purposes due to its compact and spared design.

Maruti Omni Exterior and Features

The Van is a pure amalgam of essence, elegance and sportiness. The family sized Maruti Van exudes a bold, strong and commanding presence with the sporty design of its front head lights, dynamic grille, and sober rear design. As mentioned, the front grille with the embossed Emblem of the company gives Maruti Omni a new dynamic look and makes this utility vehicle even more attractive. The clear lens head lamps are equally appreciative and redefine the Van in a new way. The thermoplastic front and rear bumpers ensure total safety of the Van. Magnificent outside rear view mirrors with turn indicators make it all the more fabulous. The beautiful door handles are very firm, the rubber insulations are proper. The all new Maruti Omni is available in a variety of colors and these include Icy Blue, Caribbean Blue, Silky Silver, Superior White, and Bright Red.

The elegant side body graphics, steering lock, sun visor, mud flaps on front and rear sides, smart new steering wheel, clear lens headlamps, and molded floor and trunk carpets make it a perfect utility vehicle. The Van comes with a seating capacity of 5 – 8 passengers. In spite of the absence of a power steering wheel, the Maruti Van has front disc and rear drum braking system. The McPherson Strut along with leaf spring suspension system, turning radius of 4.1 meters, 4 speed manual transmission gearbox and 12 inch sized wheels make this Van capable of making a mark on the Indian roads. The spacious Maruti Omni has a ground clearance of 165 mm along with a fuel tank capacity of 36 litres and a kerb weight of 785 kg. The variants are very spacious, with enough head and leg room for the passengers, whether it is the 5 – Seater variant or the 8 – Seater; it is surely to ensure a comfortable ride.

The engine is equipped with MPFI technology (Multi Point Fuel Injection) and allows for fulfillment of the emission norms specified by Bharat Stage III. The Omni is very efficiently derived and categorized as an MUV, however it can be called as a hybrid pertaining to the relevance that it finds in the commercial sector. The Omni lacks looks and style and has been very subjectively and clearly designed for the commercial use. You may perhaps not find appropriateness in the built of the vehicle if you are looking for sportiness, style and sophistication. The Omni is not very sharper in the aerodynamics as well but has and spares good space for the perfectly carved front fascia, however the rear of the vehicle is perhaps as dis-styled as the front and seems a bit too boring making it appear as box shaped vehicle. 

Safety Features in Maruti Omni

The side impact door beams, front disc brakes and rear drum brakes that are booster assisted; secure seat belts, front and rear thermoplastic bumpers, laminated wind shield and ELR front and rear seat belts are certain myriad features equipped in this utility Van that make it quite safe and secure. The engine in the Van isn’t in the front portion and therefore the driver and the front passenger are only protected by a thin sheet of metal, which may lead to the conclusion that even minor accidents may be very dangerous. The radial tyres, enhanced braking system, clear lens headlamp, and leveling device are some of the additional features that provide optimum efficiency without compromising passenger safety. The tyres are designed to ensure a safe and comfortable family ride on the busy Indian roads.

Maruti Omni Driving and Handling

The Van is absolutely comfortable while being driven in the slow moving traffic, but becomes highly unstable in conditions like high speed crosswinds and underpowered on the highways at high speeds, especially when fully occupied. This is the result of the small sized 12 inch wheels installed in it with high center of gravity. Also/ the utility Van has a tendency to pitch and may seem to bounce on uneven terrain.

Maruti Omni Accessories

As mentioned earlier, the Maruti Omni is neither a premium car nor a luxurious vehicle and so it lacks the usual stereo and other accessories. The Van has been made for commercial uses and foresees a lot of cost reduction.

Maruti Omni Conclusion

The Maruti Omni would be your ultimate goal if you plan to start a commercial transportation firm for schools or mass transit, even the ambulances would do but in case you are looking for some sense of sport and style, the Omni better be not your choice. The car is a good choice for commercial purposes only and should not be compared to any premium car. As far as the price and other specifications are concerned, the Omni will do.