Dec 12, 2006 02:59 PM
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Means Style in Spanish and based on the old MR Wagon, the new Zen Estilo is out in the market. I took the test drive and have lot to say about it. Here it follows.
The first thing that strikes you when you see it is the shape. Very different from the original Zen and very original infact, considering the shape of other cars of its size in India. The front bonnet is very small and scoops down at a steep angle. The head lights are big and of a very different shape to keep it different from the Spark a.k.a. Matiz. If you notice closely you'll find the front grill is not aligned in with the headlight as is the case with most cars. But its hardly noticeable.
The colors available are 8. All bright and sunny colors to match the stylish body. Perfect.
Technically, it is built with the same engine and parts as the WagonR and thus carries the same reliability of the WagonR which has been in market for some years now. What that also means is that Maruti will achieve economies of scale by producing the same engine for both. Also spares will be economical.
From the inside the car looks decent, but is not very spacious. The beige interiors look contemporary and the VXi comes with beige in the door insides also. The VXi is powered with an rpm meter, defogger etc. The dashboard panel colors are also vivid, yellow, red. Somewhere I feel Maruti trying to tap into the female market. And even if you look at the car from a distance you'll feel it to be a bit feminish.
The car is very light to drive, especially in the city. One thing I didn't llike was the the height of the dashboard, which is higher than a WagonR or a Santro. If you are a bit short in height, the dashboard may block your vision of the left front of the car while driving. The boot has sufficient space but three people in back may get cramped.
So if you are a die hard driver and like to burn rubber, then this is not the car for you. Simply because it looks more toyish and while driving feels ccompletely weightless. It may be because of its great power steering but sometimes you need to get a response from the road. I'll recommend the new WagonR more for its sporty looks and is a bit more hard than the Estilo.
Final comments on the repositioning of the Zen. While the earlier Zen was more postioned for the executive segment, the doctors and business men would swear by it, this one seems more postioned for the youth, college going (who have the money) and ofcourse females.
