The decade old Maruti Suzuki Zen was replaced by a re-designed tall boy and rechristened as Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo. Zen was the first Maruti Suzuki to be officially discontinued from production, and Maruti had chosen to keep the Zen branding alive with the Estilo when they launched the car in 2006 to keep maintain continuity from the original 'Jellybean-design' Zen which was launched back in May 1993 but Zen Estilo didn't managed to do so. Recently, Maruti India came up with a refreshed New Estilo which looks better than the outgoing model with new headlamps, grille and bumpers. Interiors have also been spruced up to give it an upmarket look with a beige theme.
Exterior
The new Estilo comes with all the changes as expected in a mid life facelift - new bumpers, new headlights, new front grille and new fog lights. The front of the car certainly looks more grown up with the large teardrop shaped headlamps flanking a more mature looking grille. The car also sports a new bonnet, fenders, tail lamps and an aggressively styled front bumper - all adding up to a more grown-up look. The front fender of Estilo has robust wheel arc and the design is carried over to the rear fender as well. New wheel covers compliment the entire exterior makeover to give it a stylish and smart look.
Interior
Interiors have also been spruced up to give New Estilo a more upmarket look but the overall design of dash and knobs seem to be more or less same like the last generation Zen Estilo. New model comes with a two tone chocolate brown-cum-beige colour combinations. The centre console has been modified a bit with addition of silver accent around the music system and AC controls which look cool but rotary knobs now feels outdated in comparison to push button controls.
The AC vents in centre are rectangular in shape while side ones are round with Silver lining around them. The instrument cluster is a three pod design with speedometer in centre flanked by tachometer on left side and temperature plus fuel gauge on right side. New Estilo now features digital tripmeter as standard. The Steering wheel is a three spoke one with big Suzuki logo in centre which looks quite dominating.
Engine
The major and much needed change is the introduction of new engine. The New Estilo is powered by 998cc K-series engine from the A-Star.The engine has been tweaked a bit - now it generates maximum power of 68 Bhp at 6200 rpm with maxiumum torque of 90 Nm at 3500 rpm. This makes the New Estilo Bharat IV emission compliant with higher power to weight ratio and torque to weight ratio.
The new Estilo comes with a new Cable-type transmission technology. The five-speed manual gear with synchromesh is now changed to Cable type as against Rod-type, mechanical transmission earlier. This new transmission reduces the gear shifting effort in the new Estilo, by reducing mechanical losses.
New Estilo has been fitted with an advanced 'detent pin' gear shift and select mechanism. This mechanism eliminates the sliding friction (or line contact) between parts and provides rolling friction (or point contact). This technology, in turn, facilitates smoother transition of gears, and is a first among all Maruti Suzuki products.
Convenience
The new Maruti Estilo features a Power Steering, Power Windows, Remote Central Locking, Foldable Rear Seats, Rear Parcel Tray, Electrically Adjustable Outside Rear View Mirrors, Rear Wiper & Washer and a Rear Defogger for the comfort and convenience of its driver and passengers.
Safety
The car is equipped with many active and passive safety features that you expect from a car in this range. The top model comes with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), EBD ( Electronic Brake Distribution), Driver side SRS Airbag & Front, 3 point seatbelts & Rear Fog lights. In terms of vehicle security the VXi variant comes with i-CATS integrated keys, five-door central locking and anti-theft alarm.
The new Estilo is available in 8 shades - Superior White, Midnight Black, Silky Silver, Dusky Brown, Ecru Beige, Quantum Orange, Bright Red and Emerald Blue.
Verdict
Zen Estilo, the five-door hatchback compact car, successor to the Zen, is a blend of Japanese simplicity and European sophistication that has been specifically manufactured to suit Indian roads. The car has been completely revamped which makes it alluring for the young Indian buyers especially with its attractive features and unique style, which are comparable to a luxurious sedan.