Stylish Zen - New Zen Estilo?

06-Dec, 2006

Yesterday Maruti launched all new Estilo. If you are wondering why I dropped Zen from this car's name then let me explain. Estilo has got Wagon R's engine and chassis and Suzuki MR Wagon's shape. Whatever remains is taken from Zen, well does anything remain actually? Yes, Name! Name is taken from Zen, 'Zen Estilo'. In essence its stylish Wagon R, Japan's MR Wagon, combination of the two or anything but Zen. It seems Maruti wants to exploit Zen brand-image hence named this car after Zen.

Now obvious question might be "Whether this one is better than old Zen?" Well in most of the aspects, but still Zen Estilo might not satisfy those who have driven old Zen. Except for a couple of things, I find Zen Estilo a better car than old Zen. Due to a bit tall design Zen Estilo is not as good at maneuvering as old Zen. Old Zen was a fun at cornering which is apparently missing in this car.

Zen Estilo has the same engine (1061cc, 64.8ps, 84Nm, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, MPFI F10D Petrol) under the hood that is found in Maruti Wagon R. Absolutely nothing has been changed except for the fact that this engine is much refined and is slightly better at responsiveness and fuel economy. This simply translate into 'Zen Estilo is a bit faster and more fuel economic than Wagon R'. Due to highly good drivability, driving in city would be more fun with Zen Estilo. Electronic Power Steering (not available in LX version) really helps in crowded traffic. Owning and maintaining Zen Estilo won't be a problem, engine is proven reliable and virtually maintenance-proof.

The biggest difference I noticed was interiors of Zen Estilo. You can still accept this car as Zen from outside but you will not accept it from inside. The first note I made was while I was entering the car. Going in and out of Zen had never been this easy. This was the biggest reason people used to hate Zen (Yes, most of the people used to hate Zen and Esteem for just this reason!). If you have a Zen and are of an average built, getting inside your car is a project in itself, no? Thank god its not the case here, you find Wagon R effect here too. Wheelbase is 25mm larger (2360mm) than old Zen which is adequate but not very good, it could have still been a bit larger. Car is taller by approx. 200mm (1595mm) than old Zen and shorter by 65mm than Wagon R, a good move in terms of headroom. Space inside is enough and is utilized better. Dash-board gives contemporary feel, especially VXi version with dual-tone interiors. Seats are mounted high and are overall comfortable enough. Air-conditioning is simply fantastic.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and dual airbags for driver are provided as optional equipment in VXi variant. Keyless entry system, front/rear power-windows system, rear defogger are additional and necessary features in VXi. Alloy wheels, music system are missing.

Pricing is almost in Wagon R's range. Range starts at 3,26,865 (ex-showroom Mumbai) pretty close to Wagon R's starting i.e. 3,33,986 rupees, almost 7,000-8,000 rupees difference across range. This Zen is almost 15,000 cheaper than old Zen. So Zen Estilo can be considered placed between Alto and Wagon R. Whoever doesn't like Wagon R can go for Zen Estilo. My recommendation to prospective buyers is that you should not worry while making a decision in favour of Zen Estilo. Its quite capable, highly-economic, stylish, contemporary car which is going to give a tough competition to Santro Xing, Indica and even Wagon R.