IT’S been a good year so far for car lovers with more and more small cars like Tata Nano, Maruti Suzuki Ritz being launched that provide great fuel efficiency and are economical. But for those who had, like many others, been conquered by Zen – the blockbuster hatchback, it could be heart breaking that Maruti Suzuki recently decided upon preserving the brand name Zen as a Hall-of-famer and launched the renovated Zen Estilo as just Estilo.
A part of the growing compact segment the new Estilo has been presented with a new K series BSIV compliant engine that reduces emissions and a new cable-type transmission that lowers gear shifting efforts making it smooth. However, many question if this redesigning will revive the glory brought by Zen a decade and a half ago. “We have brought in a new powerful engine and even changed the front end design to suit the vibrant India. The younger generation demands bold designs and thus we have included feedback from the customers in the sculpted features that the new Estilo carries. Moreover, product upgradation is an integral part of our strategy ,” said Rohit Kohli, Area Manager, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. at the launch ceremony at Swosti Premium on August 28.
Denying talks of the Zen Estilo not being a favourite among customers and the new Estilo not carrying remarkable changes compared to its predecessor he added there have been many fresh inclusions including new looks of the interior. The new launch has a rear wiper, fog lamps, parcel shelf, anti-theft security system and digital fuel indicator among other changes. It is available in three variants Lx, Lxi and VXi and adding to the existing range of colours silver, white, bright red and black, the list has been extended to ecru beige, emerald blue, dusky brown and quantum orange.
The new Estilo will attract the younger customer group said Purshotam Budhraja, CEO, Narayani Motors. “Estilo has become a brand in itself. So Zen dropped from its name will not affect sales,” he added. As for the introductory ex-showroom prices in Bhubaneswar, the Lx variant is priced at Rs 3.23 lacs, while the Lxi at Rs 3.52 lacs and Vxi at Rs 3.77 lacs.
