Maruti Suzuki Versa was discontinued from the Indian auto market due to its low sales and cold market response. This utility vehicle was launched amid much hype back in 2001, but failed to return anticipated numbers to its manufacturer. Reportedly, the model was launched as an upgrade of Maruti Suzuki Omni, which came up as quite a successful family van at that point of time. However, post Versa's launch in the market, it could not perform well owing to its high price tag. Notably, the price of this vehicle was slotted between Rs. 5.15 lakh and Rs. 6 lakh. Those who went to the check this new vehicle at showrooms were almost repulsed to see such a high price that conformed to that of an entry level sedan.
Also, Versa was a large vehicle and most of those who purchased it had big families. However, for a small family, the very idea of possessing such a vehicle was vague and with little meaning, by spending the same amount of money they could easily enjoy ride in a sedan. The mini-bus shape of Versa was also a huge concern among customers who relished products with impressive designs and layouts. Industry experts are of a view that all this led to diminished sales, thereby forcing Maruti Suzuki to relaunch Versa with a lower price tag of Rs. 4 lakh. The plan of relaunching was also changed to 'Travelling in company in a car has its own kind of fun'. It must be noted that various campaigns were run by the auto company, highlighting the joy of travelling together, but the spark proved to be insufficient with overall sales plunging sharply. This product was also shadowed by the rising popularity of Maruti Suzuki WagonR in the Indian automobile market.
This final blow proved to be fatal for Maruti Suzuki Versa and the auto company finally had to be content with a complete halt of its production. The model was discontinued, but did give sufficient insight to the manufacturer about dynamisms of market and customer demands that drive the Indian industry. Even though the model has been officially discontinued, a glance at what Versa offered to customers appears to be an interesting proposition now. This MPV had a width of 1,475 mm, height of 1,905 mm and length of 3,675 mm. It was offered with a petrol engine and had a seating capacity of 8 persons, whereas the base model came with a 5 seater configuration. This vehicle was powered by a 1298 cc 1.3-litre 4-stroke, all aluminium water cooled engine, which had the potential to belt out a maximum power of 82 bhp with peak torque of 102 Nm. Adding to the performance of this engine, it was mated to a manual gearbox.
This utility vehicle had a fuel tank capacity of 40 litres and offered a fuel efficiency of up to 11.0 kmpl in normal driving conditions. The standard variant of this MPV featured a number of safety features like brake assist, halogen headlamps, child safety locks, engine immobiliser and rear seat belts, while the top version also had an option of central locking system and adjustable seats. For comfort and convenience, Versa came with features like power steering, power windows, and rear air conditioner vents. Interiors of this utility vehicle included digital clock, quality fabric upholstery, tachometer and adjustable steering column.
