The Zest a compact sedan launched by the Indian multinational automotive manufacturing company Tata Motors Limited. The compact sedan has ten versions with two engine, two transmission and two fuel options. The prices of the Tata Zest range from Rs. 4.70 lakh to Rs. 8.07 lakh. The prices are Ex-showroom Delhi.
The major highlight of the Tata Zest is, it comes loaded with best-in-class features and at the same time, dimension wise, it is the largest and the most spacious car. The Tata Zest competes with other sedans like the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent.
ENGINE AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Tata Zest is available in both petrol and diesel engine versions. The petrol version is powered by the country’s first 1.2 litre MPFi (Multi-point Fuel Injection) turbocharged Revotron engine that generates a maximum power of 89 bhp at 5,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 1750 – 3500 RPM.
On the plus side, the petrol engine of the Tata Zest offers a multi drive mode – Sport, Eco and City: Sport mode is excellent when there is a need of burst of power, Eco mode is suitable for fuel efficiency and, at the same time, City mode is decent for the perfect balance between the two.
On the other hand, the diesel versions of the Tata Zest are powered by a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder Quadrajet engine which develops 90 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque at 1750 -3000 RPM. Both engines come mated with a 5-speed manual transmission though, the diesel engine is also available with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). It is worth pointing out that the Tata Zest is the country’s first compact sedan that comes with F-Tronic Automated Manual Transmission in diesel powertrain.
As far as acceleration is concerned, the petrol version of the Tata Zest achieves the 0 – 100 kmph mark in just 15 seconds with a top speed of 150 to 155 kmph whereas the diesel versions break the 0 – 100 Kmph mark in 15 to 16 seconds.
The petrol variants of the Tata Zest offer a mileage of 17.6 kmpl. On the other hand, the diesel variants deliver a fuel economy of 23.0 kmpl. Both mileage figures are ARAI certified, as the company claims. In addition, the Tata Zest is fitted with a 44 liters fuel tank capacity.
EXTERIOR
The exterior of the Tata Zest is based on the company’s latest ‘DesignNext’ philosophy. On the front end, the Tata Zest features new signature grille, swept-back projector headlamps with chrome accents, double slat air dam and pronounced hood while the side profile of the car gets an enlarged C-pillar that makes the roofline a bit sloppy.
Other styling elements of this compact sedan include LED daytime running lights, a new pair of 15 inches alloy wheels, body coloured door handles, body coloured electronically adjustable ORVMs with blinkers and turn indicators, front bumper with triangle shaped twin fog lamps and rear bumper with black treatment.
The Tata Zest has about 3995 mm length, 1706 mm width and 1570 mm height of dimensions along with a ground clearance of 175 mm (for petrol) and 165 mm (for diesel). Besides, the Tata Zest has a 2,470 mm of wheelbase.
The Tata Zest is available with a choice of six vibrant colours- Venetian Red, Dune Beige, Buzz Blue, Sky Grey, Platinum Silver and Pristine White.
INTERIOR
The Tata Zest comes with dual tone interiors and offers ample cabin space. The car gets piano black finishing on instrument cluster, center console and glove box. Besides, the height adjustable driver seat and supportive rear bench of the vehicle are very comfortable.
Other features of the Tata Zest include 3-spoke tilt adjustable electric power steering wheel, 5-inches touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth, USB and Aux-in connectivity, Keyless entry, Power windows, Gear shift and in-gear indicator, Individual door-open display, Driver seat belt reminder with buzzer, Air Conditioner with Heater, Rear parking sensors, Light-off and key-in reminder with buzzer, Fuel consumption display, Distance to empty info, Digital fuel gauge and many more.
Boot Space
In addition, the car comes with a massive boot space of 390-litres, plenty of legroom and immense shoulder room. Moreover, the Tata Zest provides seating for a total of 5 passengers in a 2 plus 3 seating arrangement.
PERFORMANCE
Both the powertrains of the Tata Zest are refined and, at the same time, the NVH levels on the Tata Zest are impressive. In point of fact, the company has introduced first in segment ‘Multi-Drive Mode’ technology that offers three drive mode selector- Sport, Eco and City. The front wheels of the car are fitted with a set of disc brakes while the rear wheels have drum brakes. Besides, the ride is balanced because of the agile suspension that absorbs bumps easily.
In terms of safety, the Tata Zest comes equipped with a number of safety features such as dual front SRS airbags and front seat belts with pre-tensioner, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), Speed dependent auto door lock system, Engine immobilizer and so on. Although, here it is worth-mentioning that the aforementioned features vary variant wise.
ADVANTAGES
The Tata Zest comes with lots of features. Performance of Revotron engine is quite good. In addition, the car has very confident handling trait. Besides, it has well-designed and comfortable interior and the music system of the car is a great advantage.
DRAWBACKS
Turning radius of the Tata Zest is too high. The car has limited storage space and rear cabin leg space is not up to the mark. In addition, the Tata Zest has a single front cup holder and it does not have arm rests. Moreover, lack of AMT for petrol versions is also a disadvantage.
VERDICT
Undoubtedly, with best in class features, premium styling, elegant exterior appearance and frugal engines, it is the best Tata car. Its Revotron engine is decent and in fact engine and gearbox combination of the car offers good drivability. Hence, the Tata Zest is an absolute fun to drive city car.
