Tata Motors continues to extensively test the Zest compact sedan even as the launch for the car comes closer by the day. In these particular spy shots, we witness the base version of the Zest that was spotted testing in Bangalore. The base version as expected will come devoid of the bells and whistles that Tata Motors has been boasting about. While certain features could be standard across the model range like the EPAS power steering, the car will lose out on a lot of goodies to keep the base price competitive in the segment.
The Tata Zest compact sedan spotted was carrying ORVMs finished in black instead of the body coloured ones, while the tyres were wrapped around 14-inch steel rims as opposed to the 15-inch alloys seen on the prototype. The base version will also get normal halogen lamps instead of projector headlamp units seen on the top end variant. On the inside, expect the touchscreen infotainment system to be replaced by a standard audio unit. The model spotted on test was also not carrying electric defogger on the rear windscreen, as seen in the images. A similar setup is expected on the Bolt hatchback as well.
Expect other features like the daytime running lights, navigation device, Bluetooth telephony to also be absent on the base variant of the Zest. The car however, retains the LED tail lights. Speculations are also rife that the car’s base models are expected to sport a twin-slat grille, different from the all black sporty looking mesh grille seen on the prototype. In terms of safety, will Tata provide ABS and airbags as standard across the range is still unknown. The Zest and the Bolt are based on Tata’s done to death X1 platform.
Powering the base version of the Zest will be the 1.2-litre Revotron engine producing 85 PS and 140 Nm of torque, while the 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine has been tuned to produce 90 PS and 200 Nm of torque. With Tata pinning high hopes to compete in the very popular compact sedan segment, the pricing remains a crucial factor in what will be the fate of the car, which competes against India’s second bestselling Maruti Swift DZire, Honda Amaze and the newly launched Hyundai Xcent. The Zest will be launched by June this year. Meanwhile we also spotted the Bolt testing, this time in Chennai.
