Tata Zest

The Tata Zest is a premium sub-4 metre sedan that has been on sale since 2014. It competes against other compact sedans such as the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and the Hyundai Xcent. The Zest is loaded with features, powerful petrol and diesel engine options and good looks. The compact sedan is safe too. The Global New Car Assessment Program (Global NCAP) awarded four stars to the Tata Zest equipped with two airbags in a crash test. The Tata Zest range is priced between Rs 5.50 lakh and Rs 8.93 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Like most other sub-4 metre sedans, the Zest doesn't look very proportionate. It gets a long bonnet and a short boot. But the strong shoulder line and an upswept lower character line gives the Zest better road presence. It gets largest in class 15-inch wheels too. The design of the alloy wheel isn't exciting, but its size certainly helps the Zest's stance. At the rear, the Tata Zest has LED tail lamps, a well-defined bumper and boot lid with a thick chrome line that spans across the width of the car.

The Zest packs a Harman audio system on the top of the line XT trim. It comes with a touchscreen interface and also gets voice activated command. It supports Bluetooth telephony, reads out your text messages and has a reverse guidance system as well. Even the climate control can be adjusted via the touchscreen. The cabin is quite spacious when compared to other cars in its class. However, it does lack a bit when it comes to storage spaces and cup holders.

The Tata Zest comes with a 1.2-litre petrol (90PS/140Nm) and a 1.3-litre diesel motor. The diesel motor is available in two state of tunes - 75PS/190Nm and 90PS/200Nm. Both the engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. But the more powerful diesel comes with the option of a 5-speed automatic as well.

Hyundai Xcent: Hyundai’s compact sedan based on the Grand i10 is well known for its interior quality and space. The practicality of a larger car with the reliability and low cost of ownership of a hatchback make it a good option for a lot of family buyers. The Xcent does not get a diesel automatic variant, unlike the Ameo, Zest or the Dzire.

Honda Amaze: Surprisingly spacious, the Honda Amaze is one of the most practical sub-4 metre cars in India. The design has become dated but we have seen the new one at the 2018 Auto Expo, which is expected to be launched later this year.

Maruti Dzire: Probably the best value-for-money offering in the segment, the new Dzire packs a plethora of features, best in class mileage and ride quality. It won our comparison test with other sub-4 metre sedans for excelling in almost every practical aspect that a car of this class needs to be good at.

The Zest’s premium touchscreen infotainment system, ride quality and spacious cabin work in its favour. It is an easy car to drive as well. Hence, the affordable price tag makes it a good contender in the segment. That said, it is getting a bit long in tooth now and Tata is expected to discontinue the model very soon.