2014 Tata Zest: 7 must know facts

The Zest is the platform Tata Motors is going to re-launch its passenger car business from. And, it holds cues of many things that the company is doing to revive itself. Here are 7 must know facts that define the new Tata Zest.

The platform

Tata Motors had to turn around the Zest in quick time. So, instead of going in for a completely new platform, it settled on the Vista platform and set about improving it. It took the company three years to make it, but now that we have driven the car, it’s clear, Tata has done a good job. The Zest uses the same wheelbase and track lengths as the Vista but the underpinnings have been thoroughly revised. The Zest uses an electric power steering for ease of driving and better economy; it has dual path front struts for improved ride and handling; and Tata has worked towards improving the ergonomics as well.

The infotainment system

The Zest uses a Harman audio system. And, it is a lovely sounding one as well with eight speakers in all. But, it is more than just an audio system. It has Bluetooth telephony, climate control adjustment, reversing sonar display and voice activated command; many of which are first in the segment. Moreover, this system has been developed exclusively for Tata Motors. And, it is a scalable system. So, Tata can use a version of it with more features or better output on more expensive models. Now, the one on the Zest doesn’t get satnav or a reversing camera screen, but it can be added for higher models without too much of an expensive. Harman has also developed a cheaper version of this system without touchscreen which will be seen on cheaper trim levels of the Zest.

The engines

There will be two engine options on the Tata Zest. The petrol is the much talked about Revotron unit. It displaces 1.2-litre in capacity but thanks to a turbocharger puts out 90PS of max power and a torque of 140Nm that is available from as low as 1750rpm. As the figures suggest, the 1.2T isn’t a fire breather but tuned more for added flexibility and driveability. It is also smooth and doesn’t mind being revved right to the top of the rpm band. It is mated to a 5-speed manual with no plans of an automatic just yet.

The other engine is the 1.3-litre diesel. It is the same engine that came on the Vista but on the more expensive versions of the Zest, it will come with a VGT or a Variable Geometry Turbocharger giving it 90PS of max power against 75PS developed by the Vista. Interestingly, the lesser specced variants of the Zest will come without a VGT and will develop 75PS of max power. The difference in the torque ratings of the two versions is 10Nm in the favour of the VGT equipped engine. The latter will also come with an AMT option.

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The AMT

AMT or Automated Manual Transmission on the Zest makes it the most affordable diesel automatic in the country. As mentioned above it is mated to the more powerful version of the 1.3-litre multijet engine. This AMT hasn’t been developed by Tata Motors but is in fact a Fiat unit and therefore, is expected to gel well with the engine. For those not in the know – the multijet is a Fiat engine as well.  The AMT isn’t an automatic in the traditional sense. Actually, it isn’t an automatic at all. It is a manual gearbox that is operated using some actuators and a computer and so the driver doesn’t need to use a clutch or shift gears. Compared to conventional automatics, an AMT returns much better fuel economy. But, the downside is jerkier and less refined performance.

Space and features

Though we haven’t measured it, we can confidently say that the Tata Zest is among the more spacious cars in its class. Its wheelbase at 2,470mm is the largest among compact sedans and at 3995mm in length, it is as long as the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the Hyundai Xcent. It is also the widest car in its class and as a result, the knee and shoulder room at the rear is noteworthy. It is one of the few cars that can actually seat three abreast in the rear seat without the rear passengers getting uncomfortable. Head room isn’t bad either. As far as boot space goes, though Tata hasn’t shared the exact capacity, it is larger than the Dzire’s, for sure.

The Tata Zest isn’t short on features either. Besides the Harman audio system we mentioned, it gets electrically adjustable ORVMs, driver seat height adjust and steering mounted controls. It has alloy wheels and dual stage driver and passenger airbags and ABS. All of this of course is on the top of the line XT trim. What the Zest lacks is bottle holders and some intelligent stowage options. It does have a storage tray under the front seat which is a handy addition, it must be said.

Steering and suspension

Unlike the Vista which uses a hydraulic power steering setup, Tata has adopted the Nano Twist thinking here. So, the Zest gets electric power assist steering or EPAS. Not only does EPAS reduce steering effort, especially when parking or driving at slower speeds in the city, it also helps save fuel as there’s no pump running off the engine anymore. The feel, response and progression for the new steering setup is good too, particularly for an electric one.

As far as suspension goes, there’s no change in the hard points. At the rear, the torsion beam axle has a revised spring rate but otherwise continues unchanged from the Vista. At the front, Tata says it has used dual path struts upfront. It’s not as high tech as the name suggests. Tata has used softer rubber where the strut meets the body to improve secondary ride. This, the company says, has allowed its engineers to setup the spring and damper at the front for improved handling. And though the Zest does feel more planted than the Vista, it’s no benchmark in dynamic terms.

Price and variants

The Zest will be launched by August end. And as we mentioned earlier, it will come with a petrol engine along with a diesel in two different states of tune. There will be an AMT equipped model too badged XMA. The Zest’s pricing is expected to start at Rs 4.5 lakh ex-showroom. And, the most expensive version should retail for Rs 7.5 lakh. There will be three variants for the petrol and four for the diesel. If Tata can get the pricing of the Zest right, it might just be in for a shock in terms of high public acceptance for this product.