Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 XT

Zest Quadrajet 1.3 XT Review

Tata Motors has launched a new compact sedan in the country's car market that comes with both petrol and diesel engine options. Among the several trims available, this Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 XT is the top end variant and equipped with a powerful 1248cc Quadrajet diesel engine. It has the ability to produce about 88.8bhp of power in combination with a maximum torque output of 200Nm. The braking mechanism of this newly launched sedan is quite efficient and is further assisted by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution. It also has a corner stability control function, which keeps the vehicle well balanced. The front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes, while the rear ones get drum brakes. The overall dimensions are quite decent and can accommodate five passengers with ease. Its overall length is 3995mm along with a width of 1706mm and a height of 1570mm. It has a minimum ground clearance of 165mm and a large wheelbase of 2470mm, which ensures a spacious cabin inside. At the same time, it comes with a spacious boot compartment of 390 litres, which can be increased by folding the rear seat.

Exteriors:

The exterior appearance of this latest model is quite captivating and comes with aerodynamic body structures. The frontage has a large radiator grille with a lot of chrome treatment and unique humanity line. This grille is flanked by striking projector headlamps, which also has LED guide light guide rings on headlamps. It is embossed with a prominent company's insignia in the center of the grille. The body colored bumper has a wide air dam that helps in cooling the engine quickly. It is flanked by a pair of fog lamps, which also has LED day time running lights. The large windscreen is is integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. The side profile is equipped with an elegant set of 15 inch alloy wheels, which are covered with 185/60 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres. Its door handles and external rear view mirrors are painted in body color. These ORVMs are electrically adjustable and fitted with side turn indicator. Then rear end is equipped with a body colored bumper, which has a pair of reflectors. The windscreen is integrated with a defogger and a high mounted stop lamp. Apart from these, it also has a wraparound LED tail light cluster, a curvy boot lid with variant badging and a roof mounted antenna for better reception of FM radio.

Interiors:

The internal section of this Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 XT variant is incorporated with a dual tone dashboard, which comes with Java Black and Latte finish. It is equipped with a few features like AC vents, a large glove box, an illuminated instrument cluster and a three spoke steering wheel with company's emblem in the center. The well cushioned seats are covered with fabric upholstery and provide ample leg space for all passengers. These seats are integrated with adjustable head restraints. This variant is bestowed with a lot of utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, a spacious boot compartment with light, map pockets in all doors, height adjustable driver seat, remote fuel lid opener and many other such aspects. The illuminated instrument panel features a digital tripmeter, a tachometer, low fuel warning light, door ajar, driver seat belt reminder notifications, ambient temperature display, digital fuel gauge and fuel consumption display.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is powered by a 1.3-litre variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) based diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc. This engine is integrated with four cylinders and 16 valves using a DOHC based valve configuration. It has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 88.8bhp at 4000rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 200Nm between 1750 to 3000rpm. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It allows the vehicle to deliver a top speed of 156 Kmph and can accelerate from 0-100 Kmph in close to 15-16 seconds. At the same time, it is incorporated with a common rail direct injection based fuel supply system, which helps in generating a mileage of 20 Kmpl within the city and 22 Kmpl on the highways.

Braking and Handling:

The advanced braking mechanism is further augmented by ABS (anti lock braking system) along with EBD (electronic brake force distribution). Its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes, while the rear ones have conventional drum brakes. The front axle is equipped with dual path independent McPherson strut, which has anti roll bar. The rear is assembled with semi independent twist beam type of mechanism. It is also equipped with corner stability control function. The electric power assisted steering wheel is speed sensitive and it comes with active return function. This tilt adjustable steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.1 meters, which is rather decent for this segment.

Comfort Features:

This Tata Zest Quadrajet 1.3 XT variant is incorporated with a number of sophisticated features, which gives the occupants a comfortable driving experience. For in-car entertainment, this compact sedan is bestowed with Connect-next infotainment by Harman with a five inch LCD display. It comes with voice command recognition technology and speed sensitive auto volume adjust function. This music system supports SMS notifications and read-outs, Bluetooth connectivity, radio with AM/FM tuner, SD card reader and eight speakers. It has a fully automatic temperature unit with controls on touchscreen. The multi-functional steering wheel is mounted with audio and call control buttons for the convenience of its driver. Apart from these, it also has a foldable key, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, remote fuel and trunk lid opener and sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror.

Safety Features:

This variant has seat belts for all passengers along with pretensioners and force limiters for front seat belts and dual SRS front airbags for enhancing the safety in case of any collision. It has rear parking sensors with reverse park guide display. This variant is equipped with ABS along with EBD and corner stability control function that augments the braking mechanism. Apart from these, this variant is bestowed with a rear defogger, perimetric alarm system, front fog lamps, speed sensing auto door locks, a centrally located high mounted stop lamp, central locking system and an advanced engine immobilizer.

Pros:

1. Advanced infotainment system with a lot of features.

2. Compact size of the vehicle is a big advantage.

Cons:

1. Ground clearance is quite less.

2. Price tag can be competitive.