Tata Zest debuts at Rs 4.64 lakh

Tata Motors has launched its much-awaited Zest sedan at an entry-level price of Rs 464,000 for the petrol version (ex-showroom Delhi) and going up to Rs 699,000 for the top-end diesel. The car will take on the Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and the big daddy, Maruti Dzire. While the Xcent was launched in March and is selling about 5,000 units a month, the Amaze, which in a year-and-a-half has been selling about 4,500 units every month. The Zest will also take on the Cherolet Sail and the Mahindra Verito.

The interiors, once generally considered Tata Motors’ shortcoming, are now brand new and a massive improvement over previous products. There’s a dual-tone dashboard and plenty of equipment. The infotainment system even adds a touchscreen on the top variant.

Mechanically, the Zest is powered by the new Revotron 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 88.7bhp and 14.27kgm of torque and comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It comes with three driving modes – Eco, City and Sport. The Zest also gets the familiar 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced Quadrajet diesel engine in two states of tune – 74bhp (only on base trim) and 89bhp. Importantly, along with the manual gearbox, it comes with an automated manual transmission (AMT) option.

The launch of the Zest marks not only a new chapter for India’s home-grown carmaker but also represents many new and path-breaking developments for the carmaker that has been losing market share in recent years. Tata Motors’ flagship, the Indica, no longer has a slot in the Top 10 pecking order and in terms of rankings has lost ground to Mahindra & Mahindra and Honda Cars India. The Zest not only represents a new style – it was designed by the Tata Motors European Technical Centre in London – but also incorporates in its development and manufacturing several learnings from Jaguar Land Rover which Tata acquired in 2008.

In an interview to Autocar Professional, Girish Wagh, head – Program Planning & Project Management (PVBU), Tata Motors, said the company has worked hard to lower the total cost of ownership or TOC for the Zest buyer. 

Photograph: Ranjit Yadav, president, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, and Dr Timothy A Leverton Head – Advanced and Product Engineering, Tata Motors, at the launch of the Zest in Mumbai. 

Also read: Interview with Tata Motors’ Girish Wagh: http://bit.ly/1sTOrZ1 

Tata Motors pulls out all stops to drive with new Zest - http://bit.ly/1AamhMx