Maruti Udyog's recently launched Versa is its first Multi Purpose Vehicle to hit Indian shores. Bracketed in a segment that is entirely new should see her monopolise the market to full advantage. But does she possess the versatility to entice her target clientele of buyers some of whom are seeking space enough to accommodate seven to eight people in the comfort of a car, while others would want her to perform as goods carrier even? OVERDRIVE's Bertrand D'souza spent a week with or living in the Versa to get the juice on Maruti's new age people mover.

Maruti Udyog Limited, India's largest vehicle manufacturer has always devised solutions to customer needs in every segment. Ranging from the largest selling 800, all-terrain Gypsy, multi-purpose WagonR to the snazzy Baleno and estate version Baleno Altura and OVERDRIVE's 2002 Car of the Year Alto, Maruti has eked out a niche in every available segment. Now, MUL's latest offering, the Versa (short for versatile), forays into unexplored terrain, a segment none had ventured into. This is Maruti's response to needs of large family units seeking a 'people mover' with car-like appeal.