Base Tata Zest to get less powerful 75PS diesel

Tata Motors will launch its compact sedan in a number of versions and trims. Besides, petrol and diesel engines, manual and AMT transmissions, Tata will also introduce a lesser powered version in the Zest diesel. The entry-level model which is supposed to come without any bells and whistles like alloy wheels, the Harman audio system, airbags or ABS, will also only come with the 75PS version of the 1.3-litre diesel engine. This engine is the same Multijet engine that will power the 90PS Zest, but it will use a fixed geometry turbocharger instead of a Variable Geometry Turbocharger or VGT used in the more expensive versions of the Tata Zest.

The rationale behind this move is easy to see. Even though Tata Motors wants to push the Zest as a spirited and involving car to drive (therefore, the name), it also wants to bring home traditional buyers who are looking for a value proposition. These might not be your young at heart, urban customers, but those in smaller towns looking for a sedan (for its higher status value) that’s spacious and comfortable but also only costs as much as hatchbacks. Given the lower pricing the 75PS 1.3-litre diesel engine commands, it allows Tata Motors to cater to this crowd without affecting its margins too much.

This engine will also find its way under the bonnet of Zest’s hatchback twin, the Bolt. The Bolt has undergone similar changes over the Vista like the Zest and will sport identical interiors and equipment as the compact sedan. It is expected to have revised dynamics as well and better NVH characteristics over the Vista. The Bolt is expected to hit showrooms early next year.