Maruti Suzuki Estilo – The zen comes in a new avatar

The Maruti Suzuki launched Zen Estilo first in December 2006, the Zen Estilo was based on the Maruti's Wagon R and Japanese Suzuki's MR Wagon platforms and its price still kept tad lower than the Wagon R. It's actually a segment that fills between the Alto and the Wagon R for Maruti. Zen Estilo was launched specifically to phase out the erstwhile very popular Maruti Zen.

Estilo in Spanish means Stylish and the Zen Estilo was a perfect blend of Japanese simplicity and Europe's sophistication made to suit the Indian drive conditions.

The Zen Estilo was nonetheless received well as a performing and cute looking hatchback yet it couldn't catapult the competition. So Maruti sent it for a makeover and re-launched a revamped model and named it Maruti Estilo; the Estilo looks more grown up in the front and the bumper, grille and headlights are modified to look swanky and more stylish. Bonnet too looks new even so the fenders and the tail lamps.

Along with the nomenclature the new Maruti Suzuki Estilo got new design, cool colors and features appeal to the senses of the Indian consumer. Taking a step further in technological advancement, Maruti Suzuki has renovated the engine performance obviously with a new engine and transmission system. So the Estilo is kind of old but more of an all-new car.

Looks - the exteriors and interiors
The refreshingly new look of the new Maruti Suzuki Estilo is bold and beautiful; the back bending headlamps, unique bumpers at the front and rear, nicely etched fog lamps and the unique hood with crease lines complete the spunky exteriors. To add sophistication Estilo designers have gone that extra mile and to testify the fact one can take a careful look at the intricately designed chrome grille and elegant wheel covers.



The interiors gets a dual tone, beige/chocolate brown combination and the seat fabric beautifully designed with geometric patterns adds opulence to the overall appearance of the car. The interiors of Estilo follow perfect ergonomics to give the passengers complete comfort with ample leg and head room. The instrument cluster, music system and the AC are nicely accommodated on the console, which makes it convenient for the driver. The other standard features include: power windows, power steering, electric mirror adjuster etc. But the ABS and air bags are optional features. To sum up it is futuristically stylized and looks gorgeous from outside and inside.

Engine, performance and mileage
The Maruti Suzuki Estilo is the second car from the company that gets a BSIV compatible K10B K series engine. The 988 cc 3 cylinder engine delivers 68 PS at 6200 rpm power and torque of 90 Nm at 3500 rpm. The powerful and eco friendly engine emits less noise, harshness and vibration. The other important feature of the engine is that it is light weight, which ensures better fuel efficiency and low emission. The ARAI certified engine assures the owner of 18.2 kmpl and the stand out feature is that engine oil lasts for 10000 kms. Well, the Estilo braced with this advanced engine up gradation seems to clearly be indicative of racing ahead the existing cars in this segment. The sprinting power of the Estilo is quite good especially in the third gear where it can touch the 100 kmph speed and clocks 6 seconds to reach 60 kmph speed.

Handling and comfort
The transmission advancement makes up for a powerful and a comfortable drive in the Estilo, as the transmission is of cable type and with detent pin and select manual gear shifting driving becomes effortless and hassle free. Maruti Suzuki has always kept the customers benefit in mind and as per their feedback they have improvised the suspension so as to aid better handling of the car. The suspensions system does good job on bad roads too and even during the cornering, when loaded. The EPS unit is neat and refined; uses minimum power and cuts power from once the car picks up speed. The peppy engine with precise handling is certainly feel good factor of the Estilo but you'd be disappointed at the throws during gear shifting. They certainly can be shorter and crisper.

Colors and trims
The new Estilo is available in five different variants: Lx, Lxi, Vxi, Vxi with ABS and Lxi with CNG that are available in the following four new colors- ecru beige, emerald blue, dusky brown and quantum orange. One can choose from the existing colors too that are silver, white, red and black.

Verdict
The three main points to consider, as to why Estilo would be good buy are: good design, advanced engine transmission, and reasonable price. Apart from this the new Estilo is an eco-friendly car and is fuel efficient, which is all the more reason to own this hottie.

Despite many goods why Estilo doesn't do well? Not designed for long drives. Lack of roominess for rear seat passengers; and if driver pushes back his seat the cabin in the rear becomes slimmer. Pathetic gear shift and lack new-age security features call for denying the buy.