Maruti-Suzuki's Zen Estilo, which was designed to take on major competitors in the small-car segment in India, is now a rage in Sri Lanka.

Associated Motorways, the sole agent for Suzuki-Maruti in Sri Lanka has placed orders for Zen cars from the Suzuki manufacturing plant in India following high demand.

Despite the fact that prospects for car sales in Sri Lanka were not attractive as in other countries due to the country's economic condition, Maruti-Suzuki has found high demand for its latest Zen version.

Total car sales in Sri Lanka in 2006 were estimated at over 26,500. This year, however, the figures may not be encouraging. But, it is felt that tax concessions from the Sri Lankan government under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement will help revive automobile demand from India and improve sales.

A spokesman for the Maruti Suzuki, erstwhile Maruti Udyog [Get Quote] Limited, sales centre at Borella near Colombo told the Sunday Observer that the first shipment of Zen has been reserved only for 'car permit' holders.

"It will take at least two months for the cars to arrive in Sri Lanka," he said, adding that the car's futuristic design and a high-spirited engine had attracted small car lovers.

"With a tried and tested engine, the new Zen Estilo is undoubtedly a stylish package that should attract a number of young buyers," the newspaper commented in its special page on automobiles.

Meanwhile, Maruti also plans to ship 1,000 units of the model every month to Indonesia to meet the market demand.      

"The Indonesian small-car market is small, while the overall auto market there is dominated by SUVs. However, with the launch of Estilo since a few months back, we have been able to capture about 60 per cent of the compact car market," said a company spokesperson in New Delhi.