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Tata was the first to unveil the new models in the run-up to the Auto Expo. While the Bolt was the only new vehicle to be unveiled in its segment, the compact sedan Zest had to share attention with the Hyundai Xcent and the Ford Figo concept sedan.
With an expected launch around June this year, the Zest is sure to get a big head start over the absolutely stunning Figo Concept. The Xcent might be launched sooner and that might be a hurdle for the soon to be launched CS, along with the Honda Amaze and Maruti Dzire.
The Figo Concept is in its own league as far as the design is concerned, but the soon-to-be launched Zest has an extra flair to give it an edge over the Hyundai Xcent. Based on an enhanced version of the X1 platform, the sedan gets many cosmetic changes, a result of the design inputs from the Tata Motors design studios in Pune, Coventry (UK) and Turin (Italy). The front of the car now features an aggressive styling with the redesigned bumpers and headlamps. The honeycomb radiator grille has a thick chrome slat on top of it and holds the company’s logo. The rear of the car has also been revised, though it isn’t as good looking as the front of the car. The interiors have also been completely reworked upon and lend the car a more premium look.
Tata seems to have worked hard on developing this car and looking at it, we can say that the efforts have paid off. Even equipment wise, we expect the car to be feature loaded. Tata has taken a huge step forward with the Zest and this car is a worthy competitor in the segment. And being a Tata, we can be sure that the Zest will be priced very competitively once launched.
We expect the car to continue using the current car’s diesel mills. The Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel unit will be available in two guises, one producing 75bhp and 190Nm of torque, while the other, producing 90bhp and 200Nm of torque. Another diesel, a 1.4-litre TDI, will make 71bhp and 135Nm of torque. The Zest will also get Tata’s new 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine producing 84bhp and 140Nm of torque.
Despite being given a few facelifts, the Tata Vista and the Manza have failed to sell in decent numbers. It is probably due to the ‘taxi tag’ attached to both the Indica and the Indigo badges. Working hard to change people's perception towards their cars, Tata started to work on the ’Project Falcon’ and has unveiled new cars with completely different identities. Tata will initially not kill the Indica and Indigo brands – these will continue to serve fleet markets, while the new models will in all probabilities be sold only to private buyers.
