Review: 2017 Tata Zest XT
15 December 2017, Neil Parkhi
Introduction
The Tata Zest is a compact sedan produced by the Indian car company Tata Motors. The Tata Zest was introduced at the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi. The Zest is available in petrol and diesel versions; the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre quadrajet diesel engine and the petrol version of is powered by a new Revotron 1.2-litre turbocharged engine. All come with a 5-speed manual transmission, with the option of an automated manual on diesel versions. The Zest range includes XE, XM, XMA, XMS and XT trim options; Zest XE priced at Rs. 4.64 Lacs or $7200 is the base variant of the manual petrol Tata Zest which comes with features such as a tilt adjustable steering wheel, driver information display, a cup holder in the centre console, tilt adjustable steering wheel, dual tone interiors, adjustable front head rests, an under seat storage drawer, air conditioning and heating, a tachometer and door pockets on all 4 doors. Zest XM priced at Rs. 5.25 Lakhs or $8100 is the mid variant of the petrol Tata Zest which comes with features such as power windows, central locking, front power outlet, front fog lamps and adjustable front and rear headrests. Zest XMA (diesel only) (A/T) priced at Rs. 6.99 Lacs or $11000 is the mid variant of the automatic diesel Tata Zest that comes well equipped with features such as power windows, a Bluetooth compatible double-din stereo, ABS with EBD, front & rear fog lamps, alloy wheels. Zest XMS has been priced at Rs. 5.43 Lacs or $8450. Zest XT seen here priced at Rs. 5.99 lakh or $9300 is the high end variant of the manual petrol Tata Zest that comes well equipped with features such as projector headlamps, reverse camera, touch screen stereo, steering mounted audio controls, front fog lamps, alloy wheels, ABS with EBD, front airbags, rear parking sensors, and climate control.
Heritage
In December 1998, Tata Motors introduced the most modern car ever to be designed by an Indian company the Indica. Initially introduced with the caption "More car per car," the ad campaign focused on roomy interiors and affordability. Within a week of its unveiling in 1999, the company received 115,000 orders. Within two years, the Indica had become the number-one car in its segment. Partly designed and developed by Tata Motors, it was a five-door compact hatchback with a 1.4-L petrol/diesel inline-four engine designated internally as 475DL. This was a homegrown engine derived from the engine used by Tata in their line of pick-ups and SUVs earlier, but with a shortened stroke. While the Indica is a long produced car, the original head of Quality at the plant, R. M. Parkhi, was responsible for Quality of the first 500 Indicas of all produced. The Indigo was launched in 2002. Later in 2008, Tata updated both the Indica and Indigo giving new styling and features.
Specifications
| Steering and Transmission | |
|---|---|
| Steering Type | Electric Assist, Rack and Pinion Power Steering |
| Transmission Type | 5 Speed Manual |
| Wheels and Tires | |
| Front Wheel Type | 15 inch 8 spoke alloys |
| Rear Wheel Type | 15 inch 8 spoke alloys |
| Front Tire Type | 185/60R15 |
| Rear Tire Type | 185/60R15 |
| Front Brake Type | Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Drum |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension Type | Lower Wishbone MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension Type | Semi-Independent Closed Profile Twist Beam |
| Suspension Features | Coil Springs, Gas Pressurized Shock Absorbers |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (in, mm) | 157.2in, 3995mm |
| Width (in, mm) | 66in, 1706mm |
| Height (in, mm) | 60.5in, 1537mm |
| Wheelbase (in, mm) | 96.5in, 2450mm |
| Weight (lb, kg) | 2458lb, 1115kg |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine Type | 1.2 litre 8 valve turbocharged inline 4 cylinder |
| Power (bhp, PS, kW) | 89bhp, 90PS, 66kW @ 5000RPM |
| Torque (lb-ft, Nm) | 103lb-ft, 140Nm @ 1500-4000RPM |
| 0-60 mph (0-97 kmph) | 17 seconds |
| Top Speed (mph, kmph) | 96 mph, 154 kmph |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Tank Size (gal, L) | 11.6 gallons, 44L |
| Fuel Type (AKI, RON) | 87 Octane/AKI Petrol (92 RON) |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 38mpg, 16kmpL |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 47mpg, 20kmpL |
| Cargo Specifications | |
| Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 13.8ft3, 390L |
| Max. Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 13.8ft3, 390L |