Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo

Maruti Suzuki refuses to give up the Zen tag and rightly so as it has a good reputation and is admired. For a while it dwelled on being a premium hatchback. It did well and had a great customer base with its neat looks and respected performance. But the time had come for a change and rightly so, the Zen Estilo is aimed at the changing times. Contemporary looks, cuts, firm profile, and stance make it look more like an MPV. The rear is something that lets the new Estilo down as they seem to have just forgotten to innovate. It makes the whole car seem boxy.

The high stance, small wheels, and wheelbase may set you back, but it does manage a good and nimble ride and feel. On the outset the steering does feel sensitive but responsive. But is a good addition to weave through the traffic and easy to drive around the city without undue strain. The 1.1l engine is good enough with 65bhp at 6200rpm. The chassis is a little suspect at high speed with considerable body roll. Even though it is composed the small tyres and tall stance do ask a lot from the moving parts.

The quality of the gearshift is precise and short. The clutch too has an easy feel. The interiors are kept simple with not too much innovation. Nice combination of comfort, practicality, and simplicity. The legroom and boot space is ample considering it’s a small hatch. It’s apt for a small family as the mileage figures are impressive enough churning out close to 13kpl in the city and 17kpl on long stretches. Clearly not for the enthusiast but good for regular usage and comes with the reliable Maruti badge.