Maruthi ZenEstilo

his ain't no Zen. It's more a Wagon R. Because it shares more parts with the Santro's nemesis, rather than it does with India's first 'sport' hatch. The engine's the same as the Wagon R, ditto with the gearbox, and so is the platform. What is different is the tin work – absolutely enchanting – and the refinement of the package.

The Estilo – that's Spanish for style – is no grounds up design. It has been drawn from the Suzuki MR Wagon, which continues to sell in Japan, albeit in a new avatar now. What he have here is their phased out design. Sounds unpleasant on paper but looks brilliant on the road. While the Zen was a proper hatch, the Estilo tries to impart Maruti's trademark big small car feel with a mini MPV look characterised by the front sloping A-pillar complete with a quarter glass that merges almost in a straight line into the bonnet. Big headlamps seem inspired by those on the new Wagon R, although they look more palatable on this front end. The inside lines drop to make a trough with the flat grille which adds to the design symmetry. It looks pointy but purposeful with its cab forward design. Flared wheel arches add to the chunky looks. The tapering glass area gives a raised shoulder effect as you move along the side and adds to the MPV feel. A mini-Innova at that…

bigger sized transmission inside the car. Remember, the Japanese version had a sub-700cc engine while the Zen Estilo had to gobble a 1061cc unit. But this wasn't the biggest challenge. That would be getting down the NVH levels. Drive it, and you will notice how the Estilo, although it drives like a Wagon R, goes one step ahead in the refinement zone. The start-up crackle is followed by silky smooth bristling from the free-revving engine. And you'll almost forget about it until you hit closer to its max speeds when the growling begins. There is a certain amount of roll you'll come to expect from a 'tall boy' design but in a straight line the ride is pretty much on rails. It doesn't lose composure at high speeds and follows instructions much like a well-behaved kid. But make sure you are not harsh on it and keep the steering inputs to the minimum. Of course, you don't need to worry about that in our city traffic.

It's clever how Maruti has managed to wring more space from this 'Wagon R derivative'. The Estilo is actually shorter in length by a few millimeters. Doesn't sound much? It will when you try and park on a Sunday at a mall's crowded parking lot.