Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 XMS

Tata Motors has finally launched its new compact sedan, Zest in the Indian automobile market with both petrol and diesel engine options. It comes in a few trim levels out of which, Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 XMS is a mid level diesel variant. This is a five seater vehicle which is incorporated with a 1.3-litre, Quadrajet diesel engine. This power plant is integrated with a common rail direct injection system and gets a 5-speed manual transmission gear box. It is blessed with a wonderful interior cabin that is loaded with a lot of stunning aspects. To begin with, there are well cushioned seats that offer enough leg room. It comes with a latest infotainment system that is operated through a remote and supports radio tuner and USB port as well. This trim has an extraordinary outer appearance and include aspects like a LED tail lamps, Tata signature grille with unique humanity line, ORVMs and body colored bumpers. There are neatly carved wheel arches which are fitted with a sporty set of alloy wheels. These rims are covered with 185/60 R15 sized radial tubeless tyres that offer excellent grip on roads. The list of safety aspects include ABS with EBD and CSC, front seat belts and dual front airbags. The car maker has built it with an overall length of 3995mm, width of 1706mm and has a total height of 1570mm. It has the ground clearance of 165mm, while its wheelbase comes to 2470mm, which is impressive. It has a large fuel tank that comes with a storage capacity of 44 litres. This is offered with a standard warranty of three years or 1,00,000 Kms, whichever is earlier.

Exteriors:

This compact sedan is offered with six exterior paint options for the customers to choose from. These include Buzz Blue, Pristine White, Platinum Silver, Sky Grey, Venetian Red and Dune Beige as well. The external appearance is eye catching and comes with many notable aspects. To start with the rear end, it has a logo of the company embossed on the boot lid, which also includes a chrome strip. There is a radiant tail light cluster that is integrated with LED tail lamps. It has a body colored bumper, which is further fitted with a protective cladding underneath it. There are a few aspects in its side profile including body colored door handles and wheel arches fitted with a set of alloy wheels. It has electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors that have side turn LED indicators. Coming to the front facade, there is a bold radiator grille with a thick chrome strip and embossed with company's insignia on it. Surrounding this grille is a trendy looking headlight cluster that is equipped with projector headlamps. The windscreen is integrated with a couple of intermittent wipers and there is a slanting bonnet with a few visible character lines on it. The bumper comes with a wide air intake section, which is surrounded by a couple of fog lamps.

Interiors:

This mid range variant comes with a spacious cabin that is incorporated with comfy seats, which are covered with fabric upholstery. It is beautifully decorated with Java black and latte color scheme that gives a pleasant look to its passengers. The gear shift lever with aluminum finishing and door trim with fabric inserts further enhances the look of its interiors. There is a power steering wheel, instrument cluster and a center console integrated to the neatly designed dashboard. The instrument panel comes with several functions like distance to empty information, digital fuel gauge, light off and key in reminder with buzzer and individual door open display. It also includes gear shift indicator, segmented multi information display, driver seat belt reminder with buzzer and fuel consumption display.

Engine and Performance:

This Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 XMS trim is powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine that has the displacement capacity of 1248cc. It comes with four cylinders, sixteen valves and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. This variable geometry turbocharged diesel mill is integrated with a common rail direct injection system that helps in delivering a mileage of 20 to 23 Kmpl approximately. The maximum power produced by this mill is 88.76bhp at 4000rpm and generates a peak torque output of 200Nm in the range of 1750 and 3000rpm. This power plant is skillfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box.

Braking and Handling:

The manufacturer has fitted its front wheels with disc brakes and used drum brakes for the rear ones. It is further assisted by anti-lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and cornering stability control. It has a proficient suspension system wherein, a dual path independent McPherson strut is affixed on its front axle with anti roll bar. On the other hand, its rear axle is assembled with a twist beam. Both these axles are further loaded with coil springs for improving this mechanism. This trim is incorporated with an electric power assisted steering system. It has tilt adjustment function and results in smooth handling while supporting a minimum turning radius of 5.1 meters.

Comfort Features:

This latest compact sedan is bestowed with a lot of comfort aspects that results in an enjoyable driving experience. There is height adjustment facility available to the driver's seat, while the rear seat comes with adjustable headrest. The external mirrors are electrically adjustable and there are all power windows. The air conditioning unit comes with a heater and helps in cooling the cabin. For in-car entertainment, there is ConnectNext infotainment system by Harman. It supports USB port, Aux-in, AM/FM radio tuner, speakers as well as tweeters. It also features Bluetooth connectivity along with audio streaming. It has a multifunctional steering wheel that is mounted with phone as well as audio controls.

Safety Features:

The list of safety aspects in this Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 XMS include driver seat belt reminder with buzzer, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and cornering stability control, front and rear fog lamps, speed dependent auto door lock system, driver and passenger airbags and engine immobilizer that prevents unauthorized entry.

Pros:

1. Engine performance is decent.

2. Braking system is reliable.

Cons:

1. Fuel economy can be made better.

2. Many more safety features can be added.