Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 Anniversary Edition

Zest Quadrajet 1.3 Anniversary Edition Review

A special edition of Tata Zest is launched by the company on successfully completing its first year in the market. It is offered based on the features available in XMS trim. This particular Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 Anniversary Edition variant also comes with Anniversary pack as accessory kit that is centrally fitted. A total of ten new features are a part of this pack. Its interiors include front illuminated scuff plates, rear windscreen power curtain with remote, bottle holder on floor console, and Anniversary embroidery on front seats. Aside from these, it has standard features like AC with heater, power operated windows, segmented multi-information display and some utility aspects as well. On the outside, it gets a body colored front lower bumper, piano black finished ORVMs, a new set of wheel covers, metal badge on C pillar and body graphics in Anniversary theme. Moreover, this compact sedan is now painted in the new Vocal White exterior color. Utmost passenger safety is guaranteed as it is loaded with door open indicator, dual front airbags, central locking, immobilizer and a few other such vital components. What runs this stunning vehicle is the 1.3-litre, Quadrajet diesel engine that is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission gear box. It is capable of belting out 88.76bhp in combination with torque of 200Nm.

Exteriors:

With this edition, a new body paint option is also introduced which is the appealing Vocal White. Along with enticing aspects, it gets Anniversary theme body graphics that make it quite arresting. Moreover, the presence of visible character lines all over, further enhances its style. In the rear, it has a trendy tail light cluster equipped with LED lamps and turn indicators. The thick chrome strip between these lamps and a prominent company's badge, both these are the highlights on its boot lid. The windscreen, bumper and a roof mounted antenna are also present in its rear end. Moving to the sides, there are black B-pillars, while the C pillar has Anniversary edition metal badge on it. The outside rear view mirrors have piano black finish and these are integrated with LED side turn indicators. Meanwhile, its wheel arches are fitted with a set of 15 inch steel wheels that are adorned with stylish covers. These rims come with radial tubeless tyres of size 185/60 R15, which provides extra grip on roads. On the other hand, its frontage is designed in a splendid way with a perforated radiator grille that has chrome surround. The headlight cluster on either sides is equipped with projector headlamps and turn blinkers. The fog lamps are chrome garnished, while the first in segment LED daytime running lights adds more style to it. The wide air intake section to its body colored bumper, is useful for cooling engine in no time. The sleek bonnet and a windscreen with wipers are the other aspects in its front fascia.

Interiors:

The spacious interiors of this trim have two shades, which are Latte and Java Black. This dual color scheme is used on its dashboard as well, which further houses some equipments. The three spoke steering wheel, music system, air vents and an instrument cluster are all integrated to it. The fabric upholstery used for its rugby shoulder seats is decorated with Anniversary embroidery at front. The instrument cluster has gear shift indicator, distance to empty info, door open display, and fuel consumption notification as well. Also, it includes scuff plates with illumination at front, while the floor console comes with a bottle holder. The look of the cabin is further improved by fabric inserts on door trims, aluminum finish on gear shift lever and key ring illumination. In addition to these, it also has a rear windscreen power curtain with remote, door coordinated cabin lights, storage drawer under co-passenger seat, day and night inside rear view mirror, assist grips and so on.

Engine and Performance:

It is incorporated with a 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine that is compliant with BS IV standard emission norms. It has a displacement capacity of 1248cc and integrated with a common rail direct injection system. It comes with variable geometry turbocharger and fitted with 4-cylinders, sixteen valves. This oil burner can churn out a peak power of 88.76bhp at 400Nm and yields torque of 200Nm that ranges between 1750 to 3000rpm. In around 15 to 16 seconds, it can cross the 100 Kmph speed mark and reaches a top speed of about 156 Kmph. This can return a fuel economy of nearly 23 Kmpl on expressways and approximately 19 Kmpl within the city.

Braking and Handling:

The combination of disc and drum brakes on its front and rear wheels make its braking mechanism quite reliable. It is also accompanied by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution. On the front axle, it has a dual path independent McPherson strut with anti roll bar and a torsion beam is assembled on the rear one. Also, the coil springs on both these axles aids for a jerk free drive. Moreover, its electric power assisted steering column comes with tilt adjustment function and simplifies maneuverability.

Comfort Features:

Some interesting features are loaded in this variant, which helps in an enjoyable drive. There are sunvisors available at front with vanity mirror on co-driver side. All its windows are power operated, and the driver's seat has height adjustment facility. The ConnectNext infotainment system by Harman is another highlight, which ensures best in-car entertainment. It supports a USB port, has Aux-In socket, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity along with audio streaming. Also, this unit features a radio tuner, speakers, tweeters, phone book access and call log functions. The controls of phone and music system are mounted on its steering wheel for added convenience. The cabin is installed with an air conditioning unit that comes along with a heater. Besides these, it also has foldable key, adjustable rear headrest, speed dependent volume control, digital fuel gauge, light off and key in reminder.

Safety Features:

It is offered with a few significant aspects that aids in giving maximum protection to its passengers. This list comprises of door open indicator, corner stability control, driver and co-passenger airbags, high mount stop lamp, and driver seat belt reminder with buzzer. Besides these, it also includes anti lock braking along with electronic brake force distribution, speed dependent auto door lock system, central locking, immobilizer and front seat belts with pretensioner and load limiter for added security.

Pros:

1. Roomy interiors with sophisticated features.
2. Exterior look is quite appealing.

Cons:

1. Safety standards can be further improved.
2. Diesel engine NVH levels should be controlled.