The drivers car not for the family. Review on Maruti Suzuki Zen - Petrol

Long time pending review. Its been around 9 months and 9000 kms since I got the LX. I liked the low slung look of this car and getting into the drivers seat is like a cockpit. This is really a drivers car. Smooth shifts and great vrooms. I love to rev her up on the highways. The light Aluminium engine gives good enough power and great mileage too. With A/c I had 19kmpl on my 400km trip. At the signals, I love to outpace the bikes and have taken it to 140kmph.

But all said and done, it ends up with the driver. If you are a singleton or newbie couple this may suit you but there are other options in the market that you should check out. I wanted to go with something that was proven in the market and did not like the tall boys (should have taken a liking to it).

First issue comes when you want to fix your speakers. Fixing on the rear door is the only option or you will lose the boot space which is very precious(read that scarce) in this car . But fixing it on the door, takes the wind off the speakers. High pump ups on your stereo are not possible as it starts vibrating. If you want to have good performance on the speakers, make two wooden boxes and forego some of your boot space. <REVISED 9/9/06>Fitting on the doors and still you can get the performance from the speakers! I just discovered the magic of damper mats last week. Now no more vibrations from my hatch door. This is expensive though..1200 for two sheets enough to cover two speakers. There are folks who cover the entire car body inside with it.I am still wondering how to place the subwoofer.</REVISED9/9/06>

My first trip is something that I will never forget. No space for luggage! My family bag goes in and the boot is full. I have to accomodate two more bags, my laptop and snacks bag. Some cramping into the boot and at the cost of my inner rear view, I push the bags inside. One of my passengers agree to have the laptop under her legs!! I cursed myself. A Santro (comparing with Santro as it is in the same segment), gives much more space for the boot and also to fit your speakers.

After the first rainy season the car starts rusting too! Initially Maruti agrees to have my doors changed. When I point out more spots the factory team inspects and says that it can be painted up. Dunno how anodized metal can rust. And its obvious that even they cannot guarantee how far the rust has gone in. They are adamant on their stand and I agree to do their works as they are the experts. But no where on paper are they willing to acknowledge this issue. Actually I would prefer them to take this back, but they dont seem the acknowledge it and tried to keep it under wraps by doing quick fixes. And when I ask them to give me in writing that these are the problems observed and these were the counter measures taken the officials just evade it. Anyways, since I have reported this during warranty, even if it happens in the next 10 years I will sue them. I am sure I dont have to wait that long. After the next rains, we will have a judgement!

All said and done, this is an extremely over-priced vehicle for the value you get from it, unless you want to have a drivers car in this price range. I paid 3.7 on the road after 26k cash discount for an LX. Comparing it my friend purchased a Santro at 3.4 with Power steering and power windows and the additional boot space. Even the interiors are better in the Santro. They even have a padding on the roof. So it is better sound proofed in rains. In a Zen you feel that you are sitting under a tin roof when the rain comes down! And my dashboard always rattles. The A/c grill on front gives me a constant noise. Every trip to the dealer fixes the sound for a couple of 100 kms. After that it comes back. It can be very irritating. All in all, I would say, stay away. Maybe if Maruti reduces the price, it can be considered. Perhaps it should be priced around 3L for the LX considering what you get inside apart from the engine. I was not a big fan of Hyundai or tall boy designs. But now, lesson learnt! Evaluate all your options before you make a purchase even if it is from any manufacturer.