Tata Zest

     

Tata make their second entry into the sub four meter category by introducing the all new zest. The sub four meter category was first introduced by Tata themselves in 2008 with indigo cs. However it faced  severe competition from the likes of swift desire, amaze and xcent when the Japanese and the Koreans such as Suzuki, Honda and Hyundai entered into this segment and beat them at their own game with modern looking cars be fitted with various Gizmodo.  Indigo cs felt outdated when compared to its rivals offerings. It was high time that Tata pulled their socks up and did something in order to regain its lost ground and thus the zest was born with great expectations and responsibility resting on its shoulders.

  Zest is very important for them as they have not been faring well in the passenger vehicle segment owing to the consistent niggling issues and frequent breakdown issues of their vehicles and also partly due to their below average after sales service. Tata is relying upon zest to come out of this slumber.

Looks

Tata zest is quite refreshing to look at. It takes a departure from the boring and dated looking vista- manza to a more modern looking facia which is right up there with the competition. The front end is very much inspired by the vista albeit everything here looks to be perfect from the power bulge on the hood, the front grill that nicely integrates with the projector headlamps to the bumper that houses the bright led strip.  The side profile is plain Jane except the two side creases that runs along the body. It rides on 15inch alloys .coming to the back, zests boot integration is not the best example out there but they have done a decent job when compared to the Suzuki’s desire. The tail lamps are large and look smart with third brake light sitting on the bumper. Like most of the sub four meter sedans there is a thick chrome strip that runs across the boot.

What’s inside.

Interior quality is top notch! I mean seriously. Tata have done a commendable job when it comes to interiors and can easily give desire and amaze run for their money and comes somewhat close to the Hyundai Xcent.

                                                                                 

                                     

  The two tone effect of black and beige looks nice and makes the cabin look spacious and airy. It’s a nice place to be in. However Volkswagen polo still remains the benchmark when it comes to interior quality. Still its leaps and bounds ahead of what they have managed with their previous iterations.

The usp of any tata cars is that they offer excellent space and zest is no different. Five adults can easily be accommodated.  Front seats offer decent support and you get a nice commanding  view of what’s ahead of you but I found the seat compound to be on the softer side. Rear legroom is amongst the best in class. Space is very important for me being six foot one and I could easily sit in the back seat with the driver seat adjusted to my driving position. A big thumbs up if space is your concern!! Tata has loaded the car with all the gizmos one could ask for such as a touch screen infotainment system jointly developed with Harmon kardon, you get cruise control , climatronic ac, voice command , steering mounted controls ,turn indicators on orvms and what not.

Touchscreen quality is ok however the issue is the visibility under sunlight. Sound quality is channeled through 8 speakers and would suffice you if you are not an audiophile! Coming to the boot space you get 390 liters and can easily do your airport runs with couple of luggage and soft bags that can fit without any complaints.

                            

On the road

The fully loaded diesel version is the one we tested. It is the same 1.3 liter fiat sourced diesel engine doing duty in many of the maruti and fiat cars and is one of the most used engines along with the Renault 1.5 dci engines. This engine is calibrated to produce two states of tune, 89BHP @4000 and peak torque of 200NM @ 1750-3000rpm mated to a five speed manual gearbox and a 75BHP @ 4000 and peak torque of 190NM. (Understand RPM at RPM TORQUE ). You also have the option of AMT transmission. You also get the new 1.2 liter turbocharged petrol engine good for 90bhp @ 5000rpm and @1750-3000 with a five speed manual gearbox. There is very little lag and the engine feels nice and peppy and awards you with good acceleration and performance if you keep the accelerator pinned to the floor. Steering feels nice to hold but is not as enthusiast tool. The best part is the clutch which is petrol like and very easy to use and is a boon in traffic where frequent gear changes are required. The gearbox is not exactly slick but is sure slotting and many won’t be complaining about it. Ride and handling is the department which left us impressed! Handling is very matured and it can be quite rewarding if you are in the mood to play with 185/60 R15 tires which provides plenty of grip.  Zest takes all the bumps in its stride and is very comfortable. The ground clearance for the petrol model is 175mm for the petrol and 165mm for the diesel version and can easily clear the speed bumps without scrapping its belly. I am a bit disappointed with the braking abilities as it was not encouraging and played a spoil sport because its not only about how fast you can go but also about how quickly you can stop! Mileage you  can expect around 15 in city and 18 in highway. All in all tata have managed to pull a rabbit out of their hat.

Tech specs

HEIGHT        -1570

WIDTH         -1706

WHEELBASE  -2470

ALTERNATIVES

HYUNDAI XCENT

MARUTI DEZIRE

HONDA AMAZE