The Maruti Suzuki Estilo holds a special place among Indian hatchback buyers thanks to its reliable and affordable ownership experience. While the Estilo was discontinued in 2014, well-maintained used examples can still be a smart buy in 2022.
I recently came across a 2012 Maruti Suzuki Estilo VXi with just under 50,000 km on the odometer, priced at Rs. 2.85 lakhs. Here’s a detailed review of what this entry-level hatchback offers and whether it makes sense to buy it in 2022.
Launched in 2006, the Estilo is Maruti Suzuki’s version of the international Suzuki Alto. The 2012 Maruti Suzuki Estilo VXi variant sits towards the top of the variant lineup and was positioned as an affordable, fuel-efficient city car when new.
Under the hood is a proven 1.0-litre petrol engine putting out 67hp and 90Nm of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers an ARAI-rated mileage of 19.5 km/l, which is impressive even today’s standards.
The Estilo has an upright stance and a tall boy design with curvy edges. The boxy shape and compact footprint make driving easy in congested city streets.
Inside, the cabin layout is straightforward, with a dual-tone grey and beige colour scheme. It offers power windows, a 2-DIN audio system, rear foldable seats, tilt steering and manual air conditioning – adequate for daily city use.
The light kerb weight of just 845 kg allows the 1.0-litre engine to offer peppy acceleration around town. However, the lack of outright power is noticeable at highway speeds. The suspension is tuned towards the softer side, resulting in a bouncy ride quality. But high ground clearance and short wheelbase mean the Estilo handles well over broken roads and tight turns.
Maruti Suzuki cars are known for their fuss-free ownership experience, and the Estilo lives up to that reputation. The engine and transmission are reliable with routine maintenance. Parts and labour costs are affordable compared to other brands.
For Rs. 2.85 lakhs, the used Estilo VXi packs a lot of value if you need a no-frills hatchback, mainly for city commuting. Its compact size, peppy performance around town and low ownership costs also make it worth considering in 2022. It lacks features compared to modern cars, but it makes for a practical second car for city use.
