I purchased VXI variant of ZEN Estilo (midnight black), last year, August 2007. My first car was a ALTO LXi (sold back to Maruti True value for 2.7 lacs (after 17k) & exchanged for Estilo.
The reason to go for a ZEN was basic - Cosmetic looks, Maintenance Factor, Technology Factors & proven motor at the time of offering.
At the time I purchase I knew that it shares the Wagon-R platform & that it’s indian remake of MR Wagon. Honda Jazz (soon) & toyota innova designs are inspired by the MR Wagon (its not a baby innova as many ppl argue)
Some of the features didn’t meet my expectations, especially suspension. I hoped gas filled suspension should work like a dream. The car bumps with single load and is comfy with multiple load. The electronics, security, power windows/ORVM, remote boot lock etc are a breeze & I insist that most of these should be made basic so that the car is biased to the comfort of the driver.
My FE experience was pathetic till 3rd servicing (9+) & now I find that its improving (avg 12-13). To my surprise I see that driving ZEN at higher speeds (>60)& more RPM is yielding better FE. My ODO clocked 10K now.
The service experiences were horrible & the dealer was crooked enough to give me the worst of the lot... left rear wheel with a camber issue, scratched sun films (cheats). When I recv feedback from maruti, I share my honest opinion & they ensure that the service station attends to all my issues. My windscreen wiper blades issue has not been addressed. I changed to a new set, but still no luck.
The car has positives as well... easy getting in & out, good ergonomics (though I feel the need of bucket seat as in ALTO here for thigh support). I’ve seen so many cars getting launched & I’ve thought of changing this car again & again, but everytime I realise that I can live with this car. It was not a bad decision. The new cars don’t offer so many extra features, that I must upgrade (Except DZire that satisfies my economies of scale). I realize ZEN’s not a bad product to own, u can definitely get lots of issues fixed & enjoy loving ur car.
Now as my car is getting older... rattles, engine noise, squeaks, vibrations increased.
When I use speed petrol, NVH is improved. I don’t know if the petrol stations here give poor fuel quality of regular 87 RON petrol (compared to premium offerings like 91 RON speed etc), that actually causes the ’knock’. I know maruti gears funda (learnt from driver), so reverse & 5th gears are not a problem. however while driving sometimes 3rd gear slips to neutral.
I’ve addressed some of the body roll issues by changing the tyres to 155/65 michelin XM1 & working on the suspension. My dashboard vibrates at lower speeds/bad roads & its not adviced to dock any gadget. The rear seat spacing is okay if u wish to slide ur legs below the front seats & enjoy bench seat concept. If u wish to have split seating, u can put wagon-r seat (confirmed with service engg).
I also enjoy the display console with trip-A/B, ODO, tacho, speedo, guages, iCats & MPFI indicators. Cluster is clear & easy to read. Amber lighting is in sync with beige interiors.
A/C circulation is designed in such a way that front windscreen, quarter glasses & front windows are defogged nicely (A/C must be on) when u select windscreen blower option. For defogging rear window, defogger is best. U actually don’t need a wiper (unless lot of mud has accumulated), so u can live with it. Even several luxury cars do not have this feature, as it spoils the aesthetics.
Do not think of upsizing the tyres beyond 165/60 or install 14" alloys, ride quality will be bad. This car has poor resale value (checked with dealer). They have confirmed that ZEN production will be stopped & Splash with 1l engine will be launched. Biege interiors brighten interiors & give a feel good factor & car doesn’t feel tinny. Plastics used everywhere are okay, not a grande finish.
While driving... reversing & full turns are problematic, but if u learn to use ur electrical ORVMS, it would help u in watching where ur rear wheels are going (skoda style).
Riding in city is very peppy, its not a perfect highway car. Doing 120+ is not a safe advice, unless u put 165/60 profile tyres. u should customise ur ZEN as per usage. The wide windscreen simulates a big car with good visibility. Wide A-pillars restrict visibility. To reduce gear vibrations, a heavier flywheel (off-market) can be fitted & ur baby won’t shake a bit. Also, worth trying is regular changing of rubber guide to steel guide in the gear box, so that ur vehicle doesn’t produce those sqeaks & u feel gear shift similar to swift’s.
Now some tips for improving comfort in ur ZEN :
ZEN aka zero engine noise :-).. get dynamat sheets & apply for improved NVH insulation in the car, for silent rides.
Don’t install parcel tray, it wastes the extra boot space u gain here (compared to wagon-R), instead put 4 door speakers. people love comfortable silent car, not noisy interior.
Every servicing, check doors for rattles.
Use speed petrol for silent engine.
Every 10k kms replace steel rims (costs 600 each). Use Michelin XM1155/65 13" profile tyres for best ride.
Alloys, sun roof, skirts, sports kit & spoiler will enhance exterior presence & lower the stance.
Go for factory fitted ABS & Airbags...
Lesser known fact : HyperTech engines - ECM chips have metadata that deliver best torque for a specific RPMs. Like Pete’s tuning box, these chips can be modded.
Try making it semiautomatic by taking automateindia’s auto clutch. ZEN has better torque delivery in 1st, 3rd & 5th gear. u must be in one of these gears if overtaking.
My piece of advice: This is a great car for modifying (due to space where u can hide ur gadgets), maintaining & driving. It won’t make u feel outdated.
U should buy a product that ‘feels good’ to u & that u can customise for ur satisfaction within ur budget. The issue is we expect too much in a small budget. Assuming that most of them will be self driven, focus must be on long term satisfaction of driver & should not be tiring. Lots of external accessories define ur presence. What u can get in 7 lacs (i10 with 1.2 fully loaded), might just add upto 5.5 lacs on a wagon-r. But again looks are relative & cosmetic.
A consumer should feel comfortable in his test drive.. that’s it. power windows, sun roof etc are added attractions that can be installed outside the showroom in any car. same applies to gas filled suspensions, CNG, alloys.. blah blah...
For eg, I’ll quote scenarios on which ppl bias their purchase :
smooth gear shift - swift / i10 / santro.
good lumbar & thigh support - Wagon R / Swift.
electronic assists - Estilo
CNG - Wagon R
Service - Maruti
But at the end of the day if u are zeroing in on an vehicle, u shouldn’t get another one, just because its missing a desirable feature. Always look for an option if u can install it externally (if not today, definitely tomorrow or when budget allows). Eg: U want Chevy Spark, but take i10 coz it has got sun roof’s & alloys. U can very well fit these on a Spark & be happy. Everything requires a bit of research & u need to understand what features are a priority & what can be modded.
Thanks, that’s all
~Devesh