Tata Zest (2020)

Synopsis

Tata Motors Limited which was formerly known as TELCO is a world renowned Indian multinational automobile manufacturing company with its current headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra and is a subsidiary of Tata Group. It was founded in 1945 by J. R. D. Tata and has become the world's fourth largest bus manufacturer, fifth largest truck manufacturer and sixteenth largest motor vehicle manufacturer by volume.

The company produces trucks, passenger cars, buses, vans, military vehicles, coaches and construction equipment. It has its assembly and manufacturing plants and research and development facilities all over the globe. Its subsidiaries include British premium car maker Jaguar Land Rover, South Korean commercial vehicle manufacturer Daewoo and Spanish coach and bus manufacturer Hispano Carrocera. It also has a joint venture with Fiat in India.

Tata Motors Limited unveiled a brand new B+ segment compact sedan, Tata Zest at an event in New Delhi on February 3, 2014 which was also on display at the Delhi Auto Expo 2014. Tata Zest was launched in the market on 12th August, 2014 at INR 4.64 laks for the base petrol variant and INR 5.64 lakhs for the base diesel variant. Although, built on the enhanced version of company's X1 platform, it has some great new features and design elements which are worth mentioning. It is a classy compact sedan that will surely redefine the passenger car market with its new design aesthetics (DESIGNEXT), a segment-defining drive experience (DRIVENEXT) and high-tech infotainment system (CONNECTNEXT). Let's see what this new model has got to offer its customers.

Exterior

The overall design of sedan is refreshing which gives it a compact and dynamic look. The car has got remarkable changes that include a nice kink in the headlamps with projector elements, an attractive mesh grille, sculpted bonnet and front bumper, LED daytime-running lamps (in the top petrol trim), a new Tata signature front grille with the new Humanity Line which flows directly into its stylish dynamic projector headlamps with chrome accents.

The stylish 15-inch alloy wheels, thick character line at its sides, body colored ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, a sporty antenna at the rear top, body colored outside door handles, rear black C-pillars and an integrated boot lid spoiler. The boot looks truncated and stubby in comparison to its large windows. The distinctive wrap-around LED tail-lamps and wide chrome bar gives the sedan a decent road presence from the rear.

Interior

The interior has got a refreshing design in fact the best looking Tata cabin currently. There is a significant improvement seen in quality of materials used to design the interiors. The dual tone color schemes make it look upgraded and stylish. The gunmetal grey and piano black plastic trims on the dashboard are quite attractive. Moreover the segment-first touchscreen infotainment system with Harman-Kardon frame is quite thoughtful. However, the boot section at 390 litres is not the biggest where suspension eats up into the boot space. The electric, hexagonal steering wheel comes mounted with major controls. The seats of car are quite supportive and well cushioned but lack the leather stuffs even in the top trims.

Tata Zest has also got one of the most beautiful, elegant and premium looking interior with an elegant cockpit, its instrument cluster and the central AC vents which are connected in a single wing-shaped graphics, a slightly compromised rear headroom due to its curved roof-line, an all-new HARMAN infotainment and audio acoustics system, MapmyIndia navigation and location based services, an integrated HVAC with enhanced HMI for controls and experience touchscreen access, a ZF powered updated steering unit having an EPS wheel with brush-less motor, Active Return function, speed sensitivity and self-centred, a 5-inch touchscreen supporting a superb multimedia experience, an advanced Bluetooth technology, smart voice recognition, advanced smartphone integration, phone enabled navigation, social media integration, a touch phone controlled interface, power windows with one-touch function, a chromed gear shift lever and a payload capacity of 425kgs.

Dimensions and Capacities

This marvellous compact sedan has got a length of 3995mm, a width of 1706mm and a height of 1570mm as its dimensions. The petrol trim has a Kerb weight of 1115-1135kgs and the diesel trim weighs around 1170kgs. It has a fuel tank capacity of 44-liters which gives you a wide range.

Engine and Gearbox

The Zest is available in both the petrol as well as diesel options. The 1193cc, turbocharged, Revotron petrol engine kicks out a maximum power of 88.8 BHP at 5000 rpm and a maximum torque of 140 Nm at 1750-3500 rpm. While the 1248cc, Quadrajet diesel engine generates a peak power of 88.8 BHP at 4000 rpm with utmost torque of 200 Nm at 1750-3000 rpm. The petrol variant is teamed up with a 5-speed manual transmission while the diesel variant with a 5-speed manual as well as automatic transmission. There is also an XE diesel variant, which develops maximum power of 74 BHP and maximum torque of 190 NM.

Mileage

The Tata Zest is rated to offer an average fuel economy of 13 kmpl with the petrol fuel type whereas the diesel one is rated to deliver a slightly high fuel economy of 16 kmpl. These are the estimated values which may vary with the road conditions.

Acceleration and Top Speed

There are three different driving modes present in this sedan which are Eco, City and Sport. The car can accelerate from 0 to100 kmph in 14.2, 18.7, 19.9 seconds depending upon the driving mode. These values are given in the order of Sports, City and Eco modes respectively. The diesel variant is estimated to accelerate up in 14 seconds from 0 to 100 kmpl. The car can reach a top speed of 170 kmph.

Brakes and Suspension

The braking system of Zest is quite effective and smooth which comes fitted with ventilated disc brakes at the front tyres and drum brakes on the rear ones. It also uses anti-lock braking system that makes braking system more strong and powerful. The suspension duties are handled by independent McPherson Struts with anti-roll bar at the front while semi-independent Twist Beam suspensions are placed at the back that works flawlessly.

Ride and Handling

The Tata Zest is a stable car which gives you an amazing driving experience with a wheelbase of 2470 mm, turning radius of 5.1 meters, ground clearance of 175mm (petrol) and 165mm (diesel), front and rear track of 1450 and 1440 mm respectively. The sedan is quite stable at high speeds and around corners.

Safety Features

The sedan comes loaded with a number features for the safety of driver as well as passengers. The features include dual Airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), corner stability control, parking sensors and fog lamps.

Shades

Tata Zest is available in 6 shades - platinum silver, sky grey, buzz blue, dune beige, pristine white and venetian red.

Price

The price range for this amazing sedan is INR 4.64 - 6.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) may vary. Overall, the concept of Zest sounds cool and worthy. It will compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Hyundai Xcent and Honda Amaze.

Tata Zest Diesel vs. Honda Amaze Diesel vs. Maruti Dzire Diesel vs. Hyundai Xcent Diesel