Maruti Jimny Zeta AT test drive: Worth the Rs 17 lakh asking price?

The vehicle has the ethos and spirit of an off-roader which will go anywhere/anytime. Urban or Jungle. Family or Single.

BHPian asingh1977 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Took a test drive*** of AT / Zeta / Red [~221 km on odo].

Some observations:

Looks/Interiors:

1. It is not that small a car. But it is a 4-seater for sure. Placing 3 adults in the back will not work -- maybe 2 adults + 1 child (below 10 years)
2. Looks smashing in red, and has a presence. Though the stature is low, the vehicle will hold its place amongst many on the road.
3. Interiors are well formed and have most of the functions. Though I did miss an armrest in the middle.
4. Not sure about the off-roading mechanics, but the stock tires look good, and do the job well.
5. Is a unique design [extremely], and nothing like this is available on Indian roads as of now. I guess that is why it demands a premium price.
6. Body panels are well placed, but there are some wide gaps in places.
7. Overall the vehicle looks solid and well put together. Plastics / hard objects are tightly bolted in and portray a sense of function over form [at times].
8. Decent boot space, but cannot place an airport suitcase horizontally. Just will not fit.

Drive / Ride [had never driven an AT before, so was quite smitten by the ease*]:

1. The mode shifter is smooth and does not give the feel of 'gear gates'. It seems more like a button. The shifter does the job, and immediately the car is ready to roll.
2. Moves forward without throttle input, and the pickup is linear and there is no surprise factor. Smooth pickup and the gears transition fluidly. [up or down]
3. Found the brakes to be really spongy in response. (are all ATs like this?); takes eons to engage and actually bring the car to a standstill.
4. Commandeering and comfortable driving stance, but the steering is too thin on the Z variants. Bonnet visibility adds confidence and minimal blind spots.
5. Road gaps and body undulation/sway could not be felt. Runs planted and firm, exhibiting stability.
6. Small vehicles give way -- well some [this is Gurgaon]!
7. With one passenger in the back, almost 50% of the inside rearview mirror's capture is killed off. Was not happy about this.
8. Reverse camera is handy and even shows an outline for the 5th wheel. Amazing.
9. Really robust suspension. The vehicle shines in this department. Just does.

The dilemma: Is this worth the 17L?

The answer: Depends on case to case. It is unique, 5-door, tested worldwide for many years, offers experiential driving, and is a lifestyle-altering device [for sure].

Overall:

The vehicle has the ethos and spirit of an off-roader which will go anywhere/anytime. Urban or Jungle. Family or Single.

Verdict:

Will book, once the waiting simmers down. Is 24 weeks as of now.

**The car salesman sitting next to me: Kept telling me to not rest my hand on the shifter while driving. Habit from manual driving life long. I honestly did not know where to keep my left hand.

***Competent Nexa, Sector 34, Gurgaon. Well-behaved staff, and friendly. The showroom was mostly empty, so had a good time with the car and test drive. No rush for anything. Am Happy.

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