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Review- The 2014 Tata Zest.


Tata Motors - the name reminds you of some rugged SUVs like the Sumo or the Safari and some super practical hatchbacks and notchbacks like the Indica and the Indigo that were extensively used as taxis.
But back in 2014 Tata decided to take a quantum leap forward to shed off its 'Taxi Car' badge and drove in the Zest creating a entirely new segment of its own called the 'premium compact sedan' and it certainly did  help Tata to revive its brand identity.
The Zest is a compact sedan but what's premium? We find out.


The Design.

Even in the first look one can tell that the Zest is derived from the Vista. Although the wrap around projector headlamps, the smart looking front grills and the LED DRLs near the fog lamps are all new, it still bears resemblance with the Vista.

Things do change as you look the sideways. Its not just another mid size sedan like the Indigo or the Dzire where the trunk is just stuck to the rear of its hatch sibling but rather has proper sedan dimension with smooth lines flowing along the sides and wrapping in the tail section.
You would also see a small hump on the bonnet and Tata call it the 'power hump'.

Chrome is used on multiple places like the on front grill, on the window sills and also on the tail gate joining the two tail lamps. We would love to see Tata come up with split tail lamps for the Zest like those that are there on the Tigor.

Hopping inside, you'll find nice dual coloured interiors with soft-touch plastics all over with good fit and finish. The steering wheel too has dual colour fairing and control buttons.
It is such tiny details that make the car feel more premium.

We especially loved the instrument console and the dials have jewel like elements which just look great when the lights are turned on.

Overall the design is quite modern and easily makes it the best looker in the segment.


Performance Specifications.
The Zest is offered with three engine options, 1 petrol and 2 diesel. We only had the mid trim diesel variant that was equipped with a 1248 cc, 4 cylinder, 90 PS Quadrajet engine that was mated to a 5 speed manual transmission.

Engine Specs.
Type
Revotron 1.2T - Petrol, turbocharged MPFi

Quadrajet, 75 PS - Diesel, turbocharged
Quadrajet, 90 PS - Diesel, turbocharged, VGT
Capacity, Cylinder, Emission
Revotron 1.2T - 1193 cc, 4-cylinder, BS IV

Quadrajet, 75 PS - 1248 cc, 4-cylinder, BS IV
Quadrajet, 90 PS - 1248 cc, 4-cylinder, BS IV
Max power: PS@RPM
Revotron 1.2T - 90 @ 5000

Quadrajet, 75 PS - 75 @ 4000
Quadrajet, 90 PS - 90 @ 4000
Max torque: Nm@RPM
Revotron 1.2T - 142 @ 1500-4000

Quadrajet, 75 PS - 190 @ 1750-3000
Quadrajet, 90 PS - 200 @ 1750-3000
Drive Modes
Revotron 1.2T - Eco, Sport, City

Quadrajet, 75 PS - Not Applicable
Quadrajet, 90 PS - For MT - No Modes, For AMT - Sports Mode avl

Transmission.
Type
Revotron 1.2T – Manual

Quadrajet, 75 PS – Manual
Quadrajet, 90 PS - Manual, AMT
No. of gears
5




The Zest offers you drive modes to select, a first in the segment, to suit your driving style and also to bring out best possible performance figures.
All in all, Tata has offered a great performance package with the Zest which make it stand out from the rest of the cars in the segment. 
Practicality & Comfort.
Although the Zest is a 'compact' sedan it will definitely not disappoint you with the kind practicality it has on offer.  Now Tatas are known for making spacious cars and this one too is quite spacious. 
The rear passenger seats have great amount of leg room, good under thigh support and a good amount of head room too. The seats are nicely cushioned, not very upright nor too inclined and can easily fit in 5 adults.
Length x Width x Height (mm)
3995 x 1706 x 1570
Wheelbase (mm)
2470
Ground Clearance (mm) - unladen
175
Boot space (litres)
390
Turning circle Radius (m)
5.1

There is 390 litres of boot space, enough to fit in a couple of large suitcases & bags so that you can go on long holidays with your family.

 The small turning radius of 5.1 meters make the Zest practical for the city commute too!
The car comes with Tata's ConnectNext infotainment and Harman audio system which add in to make your in ride experience even better.


The Verdict.
Tata have combined practicality and modern day luxury gizmos to create an all rounder and not just any other compact sedan.
If you are looking for a car that can take you around the city traffic, equally perform well on the highways and also offer a great riding experience when either you're driving or being driven, then the Tata Zest is the best option you can put your money on.


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Credits:
Writing:
 Anish Kulkarni. (anishkulkarni247@yahoo.com)

Photography & Edits:
Anish Kulkarni.
 (Some photos have been taken from the internet)




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