Tata Zest XM

The Tata Zest XM is a feature-packed compact sedan that has made significant strides in terms of build quality and overall appeal. It comes with two engine options a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 90PS and 140Nm, and a 1.3-litre diesel engine producing 75PS and 190Nm. The XM variant includes key features like projector headlamps, daytime running lamps, an 8-speaker Harman audio system, and automatic climate control. The car also boasts ample legroom and shoulder room for rear occupants, along with a spacious 390-litre boot. The ride quality is balanced, offering a compliant ride and neutral handling, making it suitable for both city and highway drives. Overall, the Zest XM is a solid choice for those seeking a comfortable, feature-rich, and reliable compact sedan.

The Tata Zest XM is a compelling option in the compact sedan segment, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and features. I find the Zest to be a value-for-money proposition, with its refined 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine or the dependable 1.3-litre diesel engine, both of which provide satisfactory performance. The interior is well-equipped with a stellar 8-speaker Harman audio system, automatic climate control, and parking sensors, making it a comfortable ride. However, the use of hard plastics inside the cabin and the lack of storage spaces are notable drawbacks. Despite these, the Zests solid exterior build, ample legroom, and healthy 390-litre boot space make it a well-rounded choice.

The Tata Zest XM, a popular variant of the Zest, was discontinued in 2019, but it left a mark with its robust engine options and comfortable ride. The XM variant was available with both a 1.2L turbo petrol and a 1.3L turbo diesel engine, both paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. I think this variant was a great balance of performance and economy.

In 2019, the Tata Zest XM had an ex-showroom price of around Rs. 7.52 lakh to Rs. 8.91 lakh, depending on the engine and transmission choice. This pricing made it a competitive option in the sub-4 meter sedan segment. I believe the pricing was quite attractive for the features it offered.

The Tata Zest XM featured a range of comfort and convenience features, including an effective air conditioning and heating unit, fully fabric seat upholstery, and a 5-inch touchscreen system with turn-by-turn navigation. These features made it a comfortable and premium sedan in its class.

In 2018, Tata Motors launched the Zest Premio, but the XM variant remained popular for its balance of features and price. The Premio added some cosmetic changes and additional features, but the XM was still a favorite among buyers looking for a reliable sedan.

Safety was a key aspect of the Tata Zest XM, with features like disc brakes in the front, drum brakes at the rear, ABS with EBD, and dual front airbags. It also scored a 4-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test, making it a safe choice for buyers. I think the safety features were a significant selling point.

The Tata Zest XM variant is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the XM variant starts at around Rs 6.95 lakh for the petrol model and Rs 7.85 lakh for the diesel model. When you factor in the on-road costs, including registration, insurance, and other taxes, the price can go up to around Rs 8.5 lakh for the petrol and Rs 9.5 lakh for the diesel. This pricing makes the Zest XM an attractive option, considering the extensive feature list and the performance it offers. Its a good balance between affordability and the value you get in return.

The mileage of the Tata Zest XM is a crucial factor for many buyers. The petrol variant of the Zest XM is claimed to deliver around 17.57 kmpl, while the diesel variant offers a more impressive 20.65 kmpl. In real-world conditions, especially in city traffic, you can expect the diesel to deliver around 15-18 kmpl, which is quite reasonable given the segment and the engines performance. This makes the Zest XM a viable choice for those concerned about running costs and fuel efficiency.