Tata Motors developed and launched Zest to compete against Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, and Maruti’s Dzire in sub-compact sedan segment. Zest was launched during Indian Auto Expo in September 2014.
User reviews suggest that Zest is Tata’s genuinely competent car that does manage to stand in-front of other cars in this segment. Let’s take a look at some points to know more about Zest.
Power and Controls
Diesel version has 1.3 liter engine, and is fitted with 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. You can also opt for automated manual transmission (AMT). This Quadrajet engine is sourced by Fiat. The 44 liters fuel tank is good to keep you away from diesel pumps for considerable number of hours while on highway.
Petrol version is fitted with 1.2 liter Revotron engine. Mileage offered by petrol version is around 15 KMPL, while diesel version is around 21 KMPL. Zest can be driven in three modes, Sports, Economy and City.
Disk brake in the front and drum brake in the rear is good enough to control Zest. Semi independent twist beam suspension system manages rear suspension while the McPherson struts suspension system (coil spring) manages front suspension. Overall, the suspension is good enough to offer comfortable ride on Indian roads.
Some of the safety features offered by Tata in this car are corner stability control, electronic break force distribution (EBD), ultrasonic rear park sensors, dual SRS airbags, and anti-lock braking system.
Interior and Exterior
Zest’s design is developed in line with Tata’s ‘DesigNext, DriveNext, ConnectNext’ initiative. Grille and large head lamps (fitted with projector lens) in the front, and well designed lamp cluster with LED taillights in the rear are definitely good enough to attract eyeballs. 15 inch wheels give good height to this car. LED daytime running lights will make sure that the car shines even if you forget to wash it.
Getting in and out of the car is easy, thanks to high seats and doors that open wide. Cabin offers that airy feeling, as it is large and has arched roof. Dual tone color in the interior looks great. Zest’s information systems are developed by Harman Kardon. Touch-screen panel that can be used to control AC, audio system and some other functions is good enough compared to Tata’s other cars. Those who are not comfortable with touch-screen can always use voice command feature to control various functions.
Center console consists of buttons for parking sensor, fog lamps, and also to activate Sport, and Eco mode in certain variants. Experts believe that these mode changing buttons deserve to be on the steering wheel. Some users openly suggest that the car needs logical layout for controls.
If you often travel in Tata’s cars like Indica, you will definitely find Zest’s dashboard as elegant and stylish. Beige plus black theme combined with switches and knobs that are embedded with green LEDs give this car sort of European feeling. Small (EPAS) steering wheel with several pretty looking buttons can also be adjusted for height.
Door open indicator shows the exact door that needs to be closed properly. Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and graphical fuel efficiency bar are definitely impressive. Air conditioning system also features economy mode that reduces the compressor’s usage.
Competition
When it comes to competition, Zest lacks in offering storage space and security features compared to other cars in the same segment. Basic safety feature like air-bag is absent in certain variants. There is no space to keep your smart phone, except for glove compartment. The car offers just one cup holder.
Some users are not satisfied with the quality of plastic used in Zest’s cabin. Reviews suggest that people liked this car’s petrol version compared to diesel. Drivers cannot slide their seat too far-back; this can prove inconvenient for drivers who are tall.
Zest’s automated manual transmission (AMT) is an impressive feature that is certainly not able to impress all the drivers. But still, Tata sold more number of Zest cars compared to Honda’s Amaze in October 2014.
Zest comes with price tag between Rs 4.00 lakh and Rs 7.05 lakh. Price may vary depending on various taxes. This car is available in five variants, XE, XM, XMA, XMS, and XT.