Tata Zest long term review first report

Tata’s new sedan finds a spot in our fleet. And it’s off to a nice start.

Published on Apr 13, 2015 11:30:00 AM

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It doesnt look like a Tata on the inside, but in places, it feels like one.

Press the sport button and you get more power and boost; what's not to like.

Rowing through the gears is quite effortless.

What I’m also looking forward to doing in the coming weeks is using the other two modes, Economy and Normal. Yes, Economy, for the most part, feels like you’re whipping a dead horse, and has the potential to actually lengthen your commute time, but I want to see just how much you can improve fuel economy.

There are other areas in which the Zest has begun to impress as a daily driver. The ride, for example, is deeply impressive for a car in this class. The roads all around where I live seem to have been dug up and filled in haste. There are lumpy bits and craters, and step ups and step downs, but the Zest just rides over them like it’s been specifically designed to do just that. Of course, it has. There’s enough travel in the suspension even for the bigger holes; it has the right amount of suppleness to both, absorb the shocks and keep the wheels in contact with the road. And the ride is so good, I don’t need to slow down even for the worst sections on my regular route.

Something that I’d like more of, though, is agility. This is not a car that likes to be cornered fast. Its high ground clearance means it feels a bit ungainly around corners, especially on the almost 10km elevated freeway that leads out of Mumbai, and though it hangs on tenaciously, it doesn’t seem to be comfortable or happy doing so.

What I have come to appreciate quite a bit is the Harman audio system. Pairing your phone is pretty easy, having your recent call log pop up on the screen is really convenient, and I like the functionality of the screen too. Calling someone back is just a jab of the finger away and what I now tend to do is line up my calls and go through the list on my way to office. Bumper-to-bumper morning traffic feels a bit more productive and less frustrating.

What I also love is the way you can balance out the impressive sound. Sure, I’d have liked a better amplifier and better quality speakers, but it’s nice to have a system where sound quality is paid attention to rather than only specification. But hey Tata, where’s the CD player? Remember, Honda put it back on the City; must be a good reason.

As much as I appreciate the higher quality dash and the modern design, some things on the inside are still baffling. The seats, for example, aren’t ergonomically correct and I’ve often struggled to find my ideal ‘seat’ position. Plastic quality on the lower half of the dash is also still very ‘Tata’, and what’s a modern car like this doing with only one tiny cup holder and no proper stowage?

Still, the Zest is living proof that Tata is finally on the right track. It may have its flaws, but it’s also clear that this is not just a practical car but one you can enjoy driving or living with. Looking forward to a dozen or so exciting months with the Zest. And as ever, we’ll keep you posted.

Odometer: 1800km
Price: Rs 7.71 lakh (on-road Mumbai)
Test economy: 13.65kpl
Maintenence costs: None
Faults: None