Introduction

Its Tata’s second attempt at making a name for itself in the burgeoning compact sedan segment in the Indian market and it is called the Zest. It was launched in mid-2014 and is the first vehicle to emerge from their Horizon Next business plan. It is available with both petrol and diesel engines with the latter also getting the option of an AMT (automated manual transmission) the first car in the segment to do so.

Why I’d buy it?

It is, in my opinion, one of the best looking compact sedans on sale in the market and will always get you attention no matter where you go, though I suspect it is mostly due to the optional LED running lamps. Also, it is the only car in the segment to offer an AMT mated to a diesel engine which makes it economical and easy to drive.

The 175mm ground clearance makes for easy ingress and egress but more importantly will not let your blood pressure rise every time you miss a pot hole or large bump on the road. The cabin is roomy and will let you squeeze in three people in the back.

Why I’d avoid it?

The Zest, when it was launched last year was also offered with a turbocharged petrol engine called Revotron. This was a rather brave move considering that most Indian buyers have been addicted to sniffing diesel for the last few years. The engine is peppy and fun but not efficient at all. The company claims an ARAI efficiency of 17.6kmpl but the most we could ever get from it was 12kmpl.

Music and driving have always had an intrinsic connection and in this regard one of the things that I really liked about the Zest, is the manufacturer- installed Harman touchscreen music system (only on the top-spec variants though). However, what good is a touchscreen system if you can’t operate it in the sunlight?

My favourite version

The XTA. It is basically the top-of-the-line diesel automatic variant and while the gearbox may be slow to respond it does make the whole driving experience quite easy and less stressful.

Quick facts

Quick facts

Price:

Petrol range- Rs 4.87 lakh to Rs 6.29 lakh

Diesel range- Rs 5.89 lakh to Rs 8.09 lakh

Engine: Diesel is efficient while the petrol is peppy but will leave a nice hole in your wallet

Gearbox: AMT is slow but does its job well; five-speed manual will teach you the art of groping quite effectively

F.E:

B for diesel and

E- for the petrol

0-100kmph -Try It. I dare you!