Even after the pre-launch media drive, the Tata Zest continues doing rounds with camouflage, perhaps to gather public attention than actual testing.
To be launched next month, Tata has commenced bookings for the Zest at INR 21,000. The Zest is powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the familiar 1.3-litre QuadraJet (Fiat MultiJet) diesel engine. The turbo petrol motor and the oil burner put out an identical 90 PS (88.7 bhp) while the torque figures stand at 140 Nm and 200 Nm respectively. It's reported that the entry level version of the diesel engine would be available in a 75 PS (73.9 bhp) guise.
A 5-speed manual gearbox is the standard transmission while the diesel variant gets a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) supplied by Magneti Marelli as an option.
Read our review of the Tata Zest petrol and diesel AMT.
The fully loaded variant comes packed with goodies like bumper mounted LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, Harman touchscreen multimedia infotainment system with voice command and SMS read out, in addition to safety equipment like dual airbags and ABS.
Competitors: Honda Amaze, Maruti Swift Dzire, Hyundai Xcent
Expected Price: INR 5 - 7.5 lakhs, ex-showroom
[Spy image from Rush Lane]