Tata Zest Diesel XT

The Tata Zest Diesel XT is a well-rounded compact sedan that offers a lot of value for its price. It comes with a 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine that provides a good balance of power and efficiency. The car features an automated manual transmission (AMT) option, which, while not perfect, is a convenient addition for city driving. The interior is spacious, with ample legroom and shoulder room for rear occupants, and a boot space of 390 litres. The car is also well-equipped with features like automatic climate control, parking sensors, and a Harman-developed ConnectNext infotainment system with an 8-speaker audio setup. The ride quality and handling are commendable, thanks to the reworked suspension and chassis components. Overall, the Zest Diesel XT is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich, and comfortable compact sedan.

The Tata Zest Diesel XT is a compelling option in the compact sedan segment, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and features. I am impressed by the 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine, which delivers 75PS of power and 190Nm of torque, making it capable of handling various driving conditions with ease. The automated manual transmission (AMT) option, although a bit sluggish in automatic mode, becomes quite competent when used in manual shift mode. The car boasts a solid exterior build, a well-equipped interior with features like projector headlamps, daytime running lamps, and an 8-speaker audio system. However, the interior could benefit from better quality plastics to enhance the premium feel. Overall, the Zest Diesel XT is a value-for-money offering that stands out in its segment with its spacious interior, ample legroom, and good ride quality.

Tata Motors has introduced the Zest XTA, which is the top-end diesel trim of the Zest, equipped with an automatic gearbox (AMT). This variant comes with all the features and equipment similar to the XT trim, making it a compelling option for those seeking convenience and power. The XTA trim is priced at Rs. 9.87 lakh in Delhi. I think this addition will attract more buyers looking for an automatic transmission in the diesel segment.

The Tata Zest Diesel XT has been praised for its refined diesel engine, a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder Quadrajet engine that produces 88.73bhp and 200Nm of torque. This engine, combined with a 5-speed manual transmission, offers excellent driveability and fuel efficiency, with an ARAI-rated mileage of 23 kmpl. I believe this makes it a strong contender in the sub-4 metre sedan segment.

In terms of safety, the Tata Zest Diesel XT features disc brakes in the front and drum brakes at the rear, along with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). It also comes with dual front airbags, seat belts with pre-tensioner and load limiter, and an engine immobiliser. This robust safety package earned the Zest a 4-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test.

The Zest Diesel XT boasts an impressive feature list, including projector headlamps, daytime running lamps, and an 8-speaker audio system as part of the ConnectNext infotainment system developed by Harman. The interior is presented in a dual-tone Java Black & Latte color scheme with fully fabric seat upholstery, adding to the premium feel. I think these features make the Zest a comfortable and well-equipped sedan.

Tata Motors launched the Zest Premio edition, which slots between the XMS and XT variants. Although not exclusively for the XT trim, this edition adds several cosmetic changes and a touchscreen infotainment system with phone-based navigation, enhancing the overall appeal of the Zest. The Premio edition is priced at Rs. 7.53 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Tata Zest Diesel XT was priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the XT variant started at around Rs. 8.55 lakh. When considering the on-road price, which includes additional costs such as registration, insurance, and other taxes, it would typically range from Rs. 10.5 lakh to Rs. 11.5 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing makes the Zest Diesel XT an attractive option for those seeking a feature-rich compact sedan without breaking the bank. However, its important to note that the Zest has been discontinued, so these prices are more of a historical reference for those considering purchasing a used model.

The mileage of the Tata Zest Diesel XT is one of its strong points. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 20.65 kmpl, this car offers good fuel efficiency. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage ranging from 19.2 kmpl in the city to around 22 kmpl on the highway. This makes the Zest Diesel XT a practical choice for those concerned about running costs, especially for those who frequently drive long distances.