Reviews

Tata Bolt Review – What Critics Say About the Hatchback

By Editorial Team

Date- April 13, 2016

There’s no denying that the Bolt hatchback is quite an important product for Tata Motors. After the successful launch of Zest compact sedan, the home-grown automaker is in mood to leave no stones unturned to make it a volume generator. The Bolt, designed under the Horizonext strategy, shares a great resemblance with the Zest, though in parts it seems to have taken inspiration from the Vista too.

The exterior design is quite refreshing, but doesn’t make a styling statement. So, we can say, it’s quite neutral. That said, design is quite a subjective matter; what one finds exciting might look depressing to others. So, we leave deign entirely to people.

Talking about interiors, the dual-tone treatment looks good. It’s quite spacious too. Though, the seats lack under-thigh support and the seat-back positioning is odd. The Bolt, compared to the Zest, has less to offer.

Powering the Bolt is a 89bhp, 1.2-litre Revotron and a 74bhp, 1.3-litre Multiject petrol engines. Tata’s Revotron engine is neither rev-happy nor good at low speeds. What halts you from having fun with the car is the firm suspension that could be little more agile.

The Bolt hatchback has a balanced proportion of pros and flaws, but what gives it an edge is the competitive pricing. Here, it’s our review on the Tata Bolt; let’s have a look at what different critics said about the car.

“Spacious, comfortable, well equipped, and now better built and engineered, the Bolt, at an expected starting price of Rs 4.3 lakh, is likely to be tremendous value for money. The car feels robustly put together, quality levels are much improved and the turbo-petrol engine does the job for everyday motoring. It has its downsides – the motor is sluggish at low revs and is not free revving either. This is one reason why the Bolt is not a great driver’s car.” – Autocar India

“The Tata Bolt doesn’t make you feel as excited as the Zest did. For the segment it’s aimed at, the Zest was a breath of fresh air from Tata. The Bolt feels like Indica Vista visited the salon and came out fairer and with better hair. Interior packaging is fine, and you get a lot of equipment and features, but the quality of everything could be much improved. The petrol engine is strong in the mid-range but quite gutless at lower revs but the steering is pretty direct, if lacking in feel. So, that leaves you with a mature Indica that’s going to go up against the very best in the small car space and that’s not very strong armour.” – NDTV Auto

“The car offers a modern engine, rides well, is spacious and smart looking. A lot of drawbacks from the car’s predecessors have been addressed too. The car isn’t the best choice especially for an enthusiast but the intent is clear and should appeal to aspiring mid-size hatchback owners more than enthusiasts.” – Overdrive

“Overall a good package, does most things well but lacks the last bit of refinement compared to the competition.”- Topgear India

Rating based on all critics’ review – 3.5/5

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ITEMS Petrol Diesel

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length (mm) 3825

Overall Width (mm) 1695

Overall Height (mm) 1550

Wheelbase (mm) 2470

Ground Clearance (mm) 165

Turning Radius (meters) 5.1

Front Track (mm) 1450