Feb 20, 2004 12:16 PM
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(Updated Feb 20, 2004 12:16 PM)
Maruti Zen was the car that made cars a fashion statement in India. With over 500, 000 units sold in India and a further 100,000 exported over last decade, it is also one of the most successful cars in India. Now Maruti has gone ahead and launched a facelifted version with changes inside and outside.
To start with, the front end of the new Zen is all new with a curvaceous new bonnet, sharper new grille, fenders, and a new set of clear multi-reflector headlamps. The eggcrate grill and bumper add aggression to the front end. The rear end also adopts a new look with new hatch door and smaller tail lamps.
At the back, the numberplate has also been moved from the bumper to the hatch. The front and rear end bumpers have also been redesigned and now sport fog lamps. The profile remains same with the exception of new alloy-look wheel caps. The new Zen is offered in six shades, but yellow and red bring out its lines the best
The car boasts of as many as six different variants powered by two engines. The four cylinder one litre petrol is as usual, a joy to drive. The smooth power delivery matched to a sweet gearbox ensures one of the sportiest drives amongst superminis in India. An automatic box is also available, but it is much wiser to go for manual option for better driving experience as well fuel economy.
Without any substantial changes in the mechanicals of the car, a drive in the new car doesn’t reveals any earth shattering changes. The car still has a taut feeling around the corners. It still is the most chuckable car, though it is advisable to upgrade to 13 inch rims and wider tyres. Zen offers one of the best suspension set ups for the Indian roads, honed over the years. Straight-line speed is nothing to write home about, but the revvy nature of the engine increases its usability in start-stop city traffic, making it ideal car to get stuck in a Delhi jam.
As for the interiors, space is still constrained. The central console and the instrument panel have been given a fresher look. Other great touches include metal finished gearbox knob. Other interior changes are new fabric upholstery, better seats and body coloured garnish on back doors.
The prices for the new Zen remain constant and vary between Rs 3.11 and Rs 4.81 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi). Overall the Zen is still a tantalising option after all those years. Though interiors are cramped at best, the drive is so much superior then competition and now with a refurbished look, Zen is all set to start its second innings in Indian market. Mechanically, the changes are nothing substantial, but the new look will guarantee that a lot more people will turn back to give a second loo
