The Zen was launched by MUL as a more expensive option to the base Maruti 800.It was for a long time the car to have in the small car segment.The Zen had all the features that the M800 did’nt have. Moreover, it was also a much better looking car then the boxy M800. The advent of the santro and matiz has shown the zen’s shortcomings - bad interiors, bad ride quality , suspension wears off too fast and most important its too cramped. the santro and matiz have shown that small cars need not be cramped .
The all aluminium 999 c.c. engine of the Zen displaces 50bhp and is indeed zippy to drive specially on relatively empty roads or on highways. This is so because the 999 cc engine of the Zen is tuned to perform at the higher rpm levels. Due to its not so good torque or pulling power one has to constantly shift gears in the city stop & go traffic situations to keep the car moving.
Build quality is typical maruti like .. doors close with the famaliar maruti tiny clang and the cars build does’nt evoke the built to last feeling as the santro, matiz or uno.
However, the worst feature of the Zen is its space and comfort levels. The comfort levels are no better then a pigeonhole specially at the rear. Of course because of the adjustable front seats one can liberate good leg room but the rear is the worst place to be in. One has to sit in a crouched position all the time and with little shoulder or head room , one can be sure of getting exhausted after a long drive. Probably the inside dimensions are fit for the short Japanese people but anyone over 5’ 5’’ will be cramped.The seats are also uncomfortable. The front seats are better and more comfortable but maruti probably picked up a bench from a municipal garden added a bit of foam on it and placed it in the Zen.Boot space is also limited.
I dont think addition of MPFI will help this car anyway. Sure maruti can make the Zen the most powerfull among the Santro and Matiz cars by installing MPFI but small cars are not about power or speed but about safety and comfort and until maruti addresses these issues the Zen in my opnion will not be a value for money car.
Buy this car if you want the maruti service back up peace of mind factor and don’t mind travelling as if ur in a pigeon hole. And yes don’t expect the safe feeling u get in a santro or matiz or uno. sitting in this car makes me feel like I am a lame duck and even a cycle makes me nervous.