The rapidly growing segment of compact sedans will see yet, another entrant in the form of all-new Tata Zest that was previewed at the recently concluded 2014 Delhi Motor Show. The Tata Zest is essentially, the sedan version of the upcoming hatchback, the Tata Bolt - that was also shown at the same automotive convention in the capital.

The Tata Zest is set to replace the ageing and outdated Tata Indigo CS, which was also the first sub 4-metre sedan ever to be made in India and did exceedingly well in the market. However, with the onslaught of newer models such as the Honda Amaze, the Swift DZire and the newly launched Hyundai Xcent, Tata Motors had to up its game, since the Indigo CS was falling short in front of the newer rivals. Apart from the aforementioned competitors, the Zest will also go up against the upcoming Ford Figo sedan and the Datsun Go-based sub 4-metre sedan.

Design-wise, the Zest compact sedan has been extensively re-engineered, to move away from the uninspiring looks of the Indigo CS or the Manza sedan. The new design incorporates an aggressive nose, a heavily sculpted bumper, stretched headlamps with projectors, a new grille that flows seamlessly into the headlamps and even a mild bulge on the bonnet. It also gets LED daytime-running lights and a chrome strip bordering the grille. The design of the rear is attractive as well. The rear windscreen flows smoothly into the stubby boot and the wraparound tail-lamps are again, a distinctive feature.

On the inside too, Tata has re-worked almost all the aspects of the cabin to give a more clean and up-market feel. There is substantial improvement in fit and finish of materials, switches and knobs. The entirely new dashboard lends a fresh air of design to the cabin, while the seats have been redesigned to include more bolsters and cushioning. Other notable features include a new Harman touchscreen music system, gauge behind the steering wheel and white upholstery in the top-end trim levels and beige in the lower-spec variants.

Powering the Tata Zest will be the new 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged Revotron petrol engine that is rated at 75PS and 145Nm. The diesel variants on the other hand, will be powered by a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged Quadrajet powerplant that churns out 75PS of max power and 190Nm of peak torque. Both engines will come mated to a 5-Speed manual gearbox.

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