Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 75PS XE

Zest Quadrajet 1.3 75PS XE Review

Tata Motors has officially introduced the much awaited compact sedan Zest in the Indian car market. It is available in two diesel and one petrol engine options for the buyers to choose from. The company is selling this model series in quite a few trim levels, out of which, Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 75PS XE is the base variant. It is powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine and can displace 1248cc. It has the capacity to generate 73.9bhp along with 190Nm of peak torque output. The overall structure of this newly launched compact sedan is quite decent and it comes with a bold radiator grille, which is fitted with a chrome plated humanity line. Apart from these, a set of alloy wheels, strong character lines on side profiles and a sleek bonnet further enhances its appearance. The interiors of this base variant is equipped with a number of standard features, which gives the occupants a comfortable driving experience. At present, this variant is available in several exterior paint options, which are Platinum Silver, Sky Grey, Buzz Blue, Dune Beige, Pristine White and Venetian Red metallic finish for the customers to select from. The car maker is offering this vehicle with a standard warranty of 3-years or 100000 Kilometers, whichever is earlier.

Exteriors:

This newly launched compact sedan looks quite stylish with a lot of striking features. To start with the frontage, it is designed with a radiator grille, which is embossed with a chrome plated logo. This grille is flanked by a well lit headlight cluster that is incorporated with bright halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper houses a wide air dam for cooling the powerful engine. Its windscreen is integrated with a pair of intermittent wipers and the bonnet has a couple of visible character lines that gives the front fascia a complete look. The side profile has body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. These ORVMs are power adjustable and equipped with LED side turn blinkers. The neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with a classy set of 15 inch alloy wheels, which enhances the look of the side profile. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 185/60 R15. The company has also given a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre. The rear end has a wide windshield, which is integrated with a high mounted stop lamp. Apart from these, it has a body colored bumper, stylish LED tail lamps and an expressive boot lid.

Interiors:

The internal cabin of this Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 75PS XE trim comes with a dual tone color scheme, which is further emphasized by aluminum inserts. There is ample leg and shoulder space available inside as it has a width and wheelbase of 1706mm and 2470mm respectively. At the same time, this vehicle also comes with a huge 390 litre boot compartment along with 44 litre fuel storage capacity. This entry level trim is also blessed with "Rugby" shoulder seats, which enhances the seating comfort inside. Both the front and rear seats have integrated head rests and are covered with good quality fabric upholstery. The main highlight of its interior is the modernistic dashboard, which is equipped with a large center fascia, glove box compartment, air conditioning unit and an instrument panel. The dashboard is further equipped with a signature new steering wheel that has three spokes and is decorated with a company's insignia. On the other hand, it comes with quite a few utility aspects like drink holders, individual door open display, gearshift indicator and driver's seat belt buzzer.

Engine and Performance:

This base level variant is incorporated with a 1.3-litre, Quadrajet diesel power plant that has a displacement capacity of 1248c. It has four cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. This turbocharged diesel mill is skillfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box that helps in improving its performance. This motor is capable of producing a maximum power of 74bhp at 4000rpm, which is quite good. On the other hand, it yields a peak torque output of 190Nm in the range of 1750 and 3000rpm. It is integrated with a common rail direct fuel injection system that assists in giving a maximum mileage of 23 Kmpl approximately.

Braking and Handling:

The car maker has incorporated this Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 75PS XE variant with a reliable braking system. There are a set of disc brakes fitted to its front wheels and drum brakes are used for the rear ones. The front axle is assembled with a dual path independent McPherson strut along with an anti roll bar, while the rear one gets a twist beam. These axles are further loaded with coil springs that helps in improving this suspension mechanism. This vehicle is incorporated with an electric power assisted steering system that has tilt adjustment function. It supports a minimum turning radius of 5.1 meters and makes handling quite easier to the driver.

Comfort Features:

This stylish sedan is introduced with a few comfort aspects that gives an enjoyable driving experience to its occupants. It is blessed with an air conditioning unit that comes along with a heater and cools the cabin instantly. Other features include comfy seats, front power windows, manual central locking system, foldable key, distance to empty information, fuel consumption display, and co-passenger side vanity mirror on sun visor.

Safety Features:

Being the base variant, it is equipped with all standard protective aspects, which are essential for a safe journey. This variant is bestowed with seat belts for all occupants, which further enhances the protection in case of a collision. It also comes with a driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel with buzzer. The advanced engine immobilizer prevents the vehicle from unauthorized entry. Apart from these, it also has a high mounted brake light that adds to the safety of the vehicle.

Pros:

1. Very stylish from both inside and out.

2. Multi drive "Sport" mode provides exceptional driving experience.

Cons:

1. Lack of important safety features is a major drawback.

2. Rear cabin leg room is slightly congested.