Tata Motors have finally introduced the new Zest compact sedan to the Indian media and Car India was right there in the thick of the action.
The new Zest will step in as one of the company’s all-new offerings, in tune with their two new launches a year plan of action, replacing the Indigo CS, which has been around since 2007. The new Zest will bring not just elevated levels of quality and equipment, but also debut two new drivelines – including one which every manufacturer has shied from introducing – an affordable diesel automatic.
Powering the Zest are a new 1.2-litre Revotron turbo-petrol engine which makes 90 PS at 5,000 RPM and a considerable 140 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,500 RPM. This engine is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Quadrajet turbo-diesel engine, the 1.3-litre unit from the Manza, makes 90 PS at 4,000 RPM and a hefty 200 Nm from 1,750-3,000 RPM. However, unlike the Manza, the Zest debuts a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission, which hydraulically operates the shifter without the need for a clutch a.k.a. an automatic transmission, the likes of which we are yet to see anywhere near this segment.
It’s not just new engines. The Zest will feature update safety technology and more equipment for communication and entertainment. First up, the mid-range and top variant both receive ABS generation 9 from Bosch, which features EBD and Corner Braking Control. The top-end XT model also packs dual front airbags. The body also has been made using high-strength baked steel. You also get projector headlamps with LED daytime running-lights and LED tail-lamps. The wheels are 15-inchers and are wrapped in 185/60 R15s. There’s a new electronic power-assisted steering as well. A new intelligent vehicle function management system, developed in conjunction with Harman, is available with voice-controlled or touch-screen operation.
The claimed fuel efficiency or pricing are yet to be officially announced, but we’re sure it will be very competitive. The Hyundai Xcent, Maruti-Suzuki DZire and the Honda Amaze are the competitors, and while they’re well established, we know two things – neither of them have a turbo-petrol or an automatic diesel!
Story & Photography: Jim Gorde
