One Better Than Alto & Santro. Review on Maruti Suzuki Zen - Petrol

Well.... It is just about half a year since I bought my Bharath Stage III compliant Zen. And I am already here, making both Positive and negative comments on the second oldest small cars on Indian roads. The first thing that catches any driver who wants to get a feel of this car is its Sportyness.

For christ sakes we are in India. Sportiness is not something one would like to drool about in India. And critics really criticize this point very much. But being an owner of one of those in the line of fire of the Zen's critics, I have many things to say. Lets try to be a bit neutral.

I would be one person who always makes a huge survey in the market before buying anything. And afterall, car is a priceless proposition to many. Similarly to me also. I had first zeroed in on an Esteem. But, hasty me. I never knew that the esteem would not only burn my pocket, it would even burn the rest of the trousers for my stature. So, out goes the esteem plan. Zen, Alto, Indica Diesel were three cars I always fought with. Alto LXi was one awesome deal then. The new MFR lights and dark interiors made it desirable. But then, when the Zen can give me a little more than Alto and a lot more than Indica, it would be the obvious choice.

Zen has been a reliable model in the Indian market for well over a decade now. Alto is still 5 years old. Space in the rear is a lot better than Alto. The cabin is a bit well knit compared to Indica. No denying that Indica is big and hence roomy. But it seems like a palace. Things look out of reach. More so when I see an Indica fitted with a 1000 W subwoofer, whining like a car with local aftermarket fitments.

So, now, Zen is also a sporty, low feeling powerful car. Maybe it is dated, but it still competes largely in its category.

Fine. Now, let us see its pros and cons:

Engine and Transmission: The engine is swell. 60 Bhp, making glorious sound at its top end before a gear change. The smoothness is never lost. The torques is not all that good and more gearshifts needed than an Alto or Indica. Second gear was a special guest. More often than not, I ended up switching from 1st to 3rd until I recently got it loosened up a bit. Now a lot better. Fifth gear is a bit springy and not a piece of cake getting into it. But for all, there is a technical driving which solves the issues. But it takes experience.

Chassis & Suspension: The chassis is sturdy and takes curves with great aplomb. The car being low, its COG doesn't let the screeching come into picture and instead takes the turns a lot silently, still holds the line the driver intends. With experience, the Understeer/Oversteer factor can be controlled by the driver without many tricks/tactics. Suspension may seem a lot out of place initially since it is a bit too noisy. But it does its job well.

Build Quality & Interiors: This is Maruti default. Nothing better, nothing less. ''Punch a little hard and a dent u will have as award'' But some of them are given awesome finesse, like the rear lamps, front doors and the curves on the whole body. Interiors generally is bad in this class. But should not be this bad. I mean, it is next to impossible while driving in bright and sunny conditions, the dashboard reflecting in the windshield. Things are a lot plasticky and a leather touch would add to a lot of appeal

Braking: Leaves a lot to be desired. I mean, things are changing. But I think, if you are not a good driver and dont have experience, then dont dare venturing out with this model of Zen on the highways alone at speeds excess of 70 Kmph. The brakes will stop the car well even if the car travels at speeds in excess of 120 Kmph. But, the high profile tires rob its stability and gives u a floating feel, which makes things hairy from inside. Though, practically, a stiff steering wheel and gear-chops should slow the car fast and straight. So, try fitting ur new zens with WagonR wheels+Tires and things should be a lot better.

Fuel Efficiency: Many of us Indians would have scrolled right down till this point. Well, why not? We pay Rs. 51/- per litre of Petrol (Bangalore) and we will need our babies not to waste good old ''Gasoline''. My car so far has been decent. City drives give me like 16 (W/o AC) & 14 (w/ AC). Highways, I've never tried AC. So, my best Highway figure so far has been 20 Kmpl. Most of that being driven in Ghat roads. So, probably 21 is expectable of my car. Well, even 20 is fine with me.

Well, this is one car that people may not like to buy anymore and it is people's taste to choose what they want. I would prefer this to the Swift if sporty feel is the call. If 1.3 Ltr small car is the call, then Probably the Getz. But Always, Zen has been a leader in its class. Even Santros and WagonRs have been left reeling in my RV Mirrors many times. Maybe 'coz they are badly driven, maybe 'coz they are bad cars. But I know what a Zen is and thats what I tell you. If u need a maruti small car, Zen is the one. Not WagonR, not Swift. It is the best mix and match of everything. Even for getting it modified to look Hunky.

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