Tata Zest XMS 90HP

The Tata Zest XMS 90HP is a significant offering from Tata Motors, marking a substantial improvement in their product lineup. This variant is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which provides a good balance of power and efficiency. The car features projector headlamps, daytime running lamps, and an 8-speaker audio system, enhancing its appeal. The interior, while using some hard plastics, is spacious and comfortable, with automatic climate control and parking sensors adding to the convenience. The Zest also scored a respectable four-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test, ensuring a level of safety. Overall, the Tata Zest XMS 90HP is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, feature-packed compact sedan.

The Tata Zest XMS, particularly the 90HP variant, is a well-rounded compact sedan that ticks many of the right boxes. It boasts a refined 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 90PS and 140Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 5-speed manual transmission. The interior is spacious, with ample legroom and shoulder room for rear occupants, and a generous 390-litre boot space. The ConnectNext infotainment system by Harman is a highlight, offering best-in-class audio output. However, the use of hard plastics inside the cabin and the lack of storage spaces are notable drawbacks. Overall, the Zest XMS is a value-for-money option, especially considering its solid exterior build and comfortable ride quality.

The Tata Zest XMS 90HP has been facing some reliability issues, as reported by a user who experienced frequent engine shutdowns, especially in slow-moving traffic and during cold starts. Despite multiple repairs, including replacing the fuel pump, spark plugs, and engine wiring harness, the issues persisted until the final fix. The total repair cost exceeded Rs. 40,000. I think its crucial for Tata to address these reliability concerns to maintain customer trust.

The Tata Zest XMS 90HP comes with a 1,193 cc turbocharged petrol engine producing 90 HP of power and 140 Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. This engine setup provides good driveability and torque, making it suitable for city driving. I think the engines refinement is one of its strong points.

Tata Motors has highlighted the design and feature-rich aspects of the Zest XMS 90HP, which includes projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and a premium interior with a dual-tone Java Black & Latte color scheme. The car also features a 5-inch touchscreen system with turn-by-turn navigation and rear parking sensors. I believe these features make the Zest a compelling option in its segment.

Tata Motors launched the Zest Premio, although it is only available with the diesel engine. However, this launch indicates the companys commitment to updating and enhancing the Zest lineup. While the Premio does not include the 90HP petrol variant, it shows Tatas ongoing efforts to keep the Zest competitive.

In terms of safety, the Tata Zest XMS 90HP is equipped with disc brakes at the front, drum brakes at the rear, ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, and an engine immobilizer. It also scored a 4-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test, which is a significant safety credential. I believe this makes the Zest a safer choice in its category.

The Tata Zest XMS 90HP variant, although discontinued, was priced competitively in the Indian market. When it was available, the ex-showroom price in Delhi started at around Rs 6.99 lakh. On-road prices varied depending on the state and local taxes, but it generally ranged from Rs 8.2 lakh to Rs 8.5 lakh. This pricing positioned the Zest XMS as a strong contender in the compact sedan segment, offering a balance of features, performance, and affordability. For those looking to purchase a used model, prices would be significantly lower, reflecting the vehicles age and mileage.

The mileage of the Tata Zest XMS 90HP is a crucial factor for potential buyers. According to ARAI certifications, this variant delivers a mileage of 17.57 kmpl. In real-world conditions, owners have reported mileage figures close to this, making it a reasonable choice for those concerned about running costs. The fuel efficiency, combined with the vehicles performance, makes it a viable option for both city driving and occasional long trips.