The Maruti Zen is a 5-door hatchback produced and sold in India by Suzuki's Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki. It has acquired significant popularity in India since the nameplate was first introduced in 1993. The word "ZEN" is an acronym standing for Zero Engine Noise. It also stands for the Japanese word "Zen" which means 'Complete'.
First generation
Based on the Suzuki Cervo Mode, the first generation Maruti Zen was introduced on 22 May 1993. While it looks very similar to the Cervo Mode, it has a lot of unique sheetmetal as it is ten centimeters longer and ten wider. In Europe and many other export markets, the car sold as the Suzuki Alto. Zen used an all aluminium engine Suzuki G10B engine which produced 50 BHP of power at around 6000 RPM. There was a minor facelift in 1997 with body coloured bumpers. In 1999, Zen Classic with retro looking front and rear was launched, but was soon discontinued due to lack of demand.
Second generation
In 2000,Maruti introduced the MPFI engine with 4 valves per cylinder. Power output went up by 10 HP to 60 BHP. Its cost was around Rs 3,40,000 in India. A diesel version of Zen was launched in 1998 with the 's TUD5 engine. This model did not sell well and was discontinued.In 2004 Zen underwent a facelift with new body which was called Zen Tiger. The Zen underwent a facelift in 2003. In 2003, a three-door sports version of the Zen in VXi segment was launched, priced at 5.0 Lakh. It was only available in Black 300 nos or Silver 300 nos, cars. In 2006 second generation was discontinued
Third Generation
The third generation Maruti Zen, called Zen Estilo was introduced in December 2006 as a part of Maruti Suzuki's Indian market strategy to launch a new car annually for the next five years. The Zen Estilo had the same engine and chassis as the Maruti Wagon R; both being based on the Suzuki MR Wagon. The pricing was also nearly the same as the Wagon R. The Maruti Alto, Wagon R and the new Zen Estilo all shared the same chassis. In 2009, along with a minor face-lift, Maruti dropped Zen from the name.
Reception
The Zen was a very successful model for Maruti both in India and outside. It was called India's first world car and was exported to Europe as early as 1994. Besides being exported to Europe from 1994 to 2004, it has also been exported to several other countries. The Zen quickly became a hit with the Indian Racing Scene with highly modified versions of the 993 cc G10B engine topping 100+ Bhp. The Zen was the first fun to drive hatchback in the Indian market. It was a driver oriented car with low seating and go kart like handling. The car was very reliable and it is possible to find many good examples of Zen still in use. The Zen still commands a relatively high resale value on the second hand market.
Technical specifications
Trim levels at launch badged as MH410 later as LX, LXi, VXi and D,Di The Maruti Zen has a four-cylinder in-line all aluminium engine mounted transverse and using carburettor/MPFI and unleaded petrol. The valvetrain is 4 valves/cyl, SOHC with a displacement of 993 cc. Max Power is at 6000 rpm and max torque is @4500 rpm. It has a 5 speedmanual transmission.
Bore x Stroke: x
Comp Ratio: 9.4 :1 Drivetrain
Front brakes: disc
Rear: drum Type: Hydraulic, vacuum assisted Wheels F/R:4Jx13 and 4Jx12” Tyres: 145/70/R13 and 145/80/R12 In Zen 155/65/13, Measurements are best to upsize tyres in petrol and diesel variant too and not effects the mileage
General data Kerb weight: Wheelbase: Track 1335/1305 mm L/W/H: 3465/1495/1405 mm Ground clearance: Accommodation Seating capacity: 5 Head Room, F/R 952/930 mm Leg room, F max/min 1170/990 mm Leg room, R max/min 750/610 mm Knee room, F max/min 750/610 mm Knee room, R max/min 840/650 mm Shoulder space
Fuel economy Overall:+ 14 kmpl City: 12.0 kmpl Highway: 16.21 kmpl Worst: 10.9 kmpl Fuel Tank Capacity: 35 litres Range: 528.5 km + is 75% city driving and 25% highway driving
Braking Minimum Stopping Distance From 100 km/h 54.33 m/3.73 s From 80 km/h 28.11 m/2.59 s
