IAB Picks - 5 things we know about the Tata Zest

The Tata Zest is inching closer to its launch that is set in early August. The latest compact sedan is the first new product by Tata Motors since the Aria in 2010 and is based on a comprehensively improved Manza platform.

Here are the 5 things that we know about the Tata Zest.

1. Sub-4 metre body length for competitive pricing

Unlike its predecessor (Manza), the Tata Zest is a compact sedan measuring less than 4 m in length to take advantage of the Indian government's small car excise duty concession. Hence the pricing would be competitive and its rivals automatically become the best-selling Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze and the Hyundai Xcent.

2. Turbocharged 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine

The petrol version of the Zest is powered by the 1.2-litre Revotron turbocharged petrol engine which is capable of 88.2 bhp (90 PS) and 140 Nm of torque. The engine has three driving modes - City, Eco and Sport.

3. Diesel engine with AMT

The diesel engine is the familiar 1.3-litre MultiJet in its 88.2 bhp (90 PS) avatar. Tata has announced that the diesel engine would be available with an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). A 5-speed manual is the default gearbox.

4. Touchscreen infotainment system with voice command

The top-end variants offer a touchscreen multimedia infotainment system with controls for audio and AC. The system has smartphone connectivity and voice command (with SMS readout feature).

5. Equipment list includes HID headlight, LED DRL and automatic climate control

Apart from essential safety features like airbags and ABS, the high-end variants of the Zest will come with upmarket features such as HID headlight, bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights and automatic climate control.