Tata Motors: 7 things that make the Bolt the best hatchback from Tata

1.) Quality: The Zest was a strong statement from Tata reflecting their dedication in changing their brand perception. There was an evident improvement in overall build quality and the same is going to be continued in the new Bolt. This was in fact the need of the hour for Tata and they seemed to have got it just right. The all-black dashboard with hints of silver bordering the centre console is made out of good quality plastics. In the Bolt too, Tata doesn't leave much to complain about with respect to the overall fit and finish too. 

2.) Features: While looks no doubt plays its part in the buying decision, the list of features in a car makes its contribution too. And in that regard, the Bolt is right up there with segment first features like projector headlamps, navigation system and of course the three driving modes – Eco, City and Sport. The Bolt also comes with a 2 din audio system with Bluetooth, AUX and USB connectivity. 

3.) Space: If it is space you want, this is the car for you. The seats are comfortable, and even though the Bolt is smaller than the Zest sedan, there is ample of leg and knee room even at the back. There is enough space to seat three abreast with ease too. While space on the inside is good, the same cannot be said about the boot space. At 210 litres the boot space is better than that of the Maruti Swift but not as much as the Ford Figo. 

4.) Ride: Like the Zest the ride quality of the Bolt is spot on too. The independent McPherson Strut up front and the semi-independent twist beam at the back provide a plush ride quality. The Bolt comfortably glides over potholes and the undulations of the road don’t quite seep into the cabin. 

5.) Engine: The Tata Bolt will be offered in both petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.2-litre Turbocharged petrol unit pumps 90PS and 140Nm while the diesel 1.3-litre mill makes 75PS of power and 190Nm of torque. Both these engines will come mated to a five-speed manual transmission. We drove the petrol Bolt last month and felt that it was eager to climb up the rev range. Like the Zest, the Bolt too will be offered with three driving modes that change the fuel mapping and thereby the overall performance. 

6.) Fun to Drive: This one really comes as a surprise. Tata was never really known for making fun to drive cars, but in the Bolt they have tried to change that too. Unlike the Tatas we have known, the Bolt offers pretty decent handling dynamics. Moreover, the speed sensing steering wheel provides good feedback too and doesn't feel as artificial as the one on the Zest. 

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7.) Price: If the Zest was anything to go by, we can expect Tata to bring in the Bolt at a pretty competitive price as well. Set to be launched on January 22, we expect the Bolt to come at a starting price of Rs 4.20 lakh for the base variant. And considering all that the Bolt has on offer, at that price it surely should make for an interesting offering in its class.