The increasing demand for compact sedans has forced the car manufacturers to introduce new entry-level sedan cars in the country. The compact sedans come under 4-metre length which makes them affordable; moreover, these products are lighter and more fuel efficient.
Also Read [Tata Zest Vs Hyundai Xcent]
It was Tata Motors who launched the country’s first compact sedan, Indigo CS in the Indian car market. However, the introduction of the Maruti Swift Dzire severely affected the sales of Indigo CS. This compact sedan league is now joined by the Honda Amaze and the Hyundai Xcent. Now, Tata Motors is all set to regain its lost market share as it will launch the all-new Zest in the Indian market. Blessed with sporty and eye catchy styling, upmarket and modern interiors and powerful engine configuration, the Tata Zest will surely put strong competition against the Swift Dzire and others in the segment.
Exterior
Like other compact sedans in the market, the Tata Zest is also based on the Bolt hatchback. The front fascia of the sedan gets large chrome grille which is complemented by sweptback headlamps. The large bumper features triangular shaped fog lamps and double slat air intake. As the name suggests, the Swift Dzire is also based on Swift hatchback and both shares design cues as well as components. However, the Dzire gets little updated fascia with radiator grille flanked by sweptback headlamps. The bumper gets wide air dam and a pair of fog lamps.
The side profile of both cars looks different. Both cars feature aerodynamic creases running across the length. Here, Tata Zest looks more sporty and appealing than the Swift Dzire, thanks to its sloping roofline and flared wheel arches which have been fitted to 16-inch alloy wheels.
When viewed from the rear, the Zest sedan looks more appropriate and upmarket compared to Dzire. Both models feature wrap around tail lamps and chrome strip running above the number plate and fog lamp assembly. However, the Zest sedan sports aerodynamic curves which add to its sporty character.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the Tata Zest is set to surprise many. In simple words, it is the best interiors i would have imagine with any budget Tata product. Like its exteriors, the interiors of this sedan look identical to the Bolt hatchback. The styling features and upholstery looks modern and is sourced from its hatchback sibling. The plastic quality is top notch and is equipped with several advanced features including touchscreen developed by Harman, Sat-Nav, and Bluetooth and voice navigation system.
Compared to the Zest, the Swift Dzire interiors lack the modern appeal. The cabin looks out-dated and the material quality is also weak. The top spec models features airbags, climate control, fog lamps, integrated music system and other features.
Safety Features
The Tata Zest sedan is loaded with several advanced safety features including EPAS with active return function and speed sensitive power steering. The other features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, engine immobilizer and others. On the other hand, the top spec Maruti Swift Dzire gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, fog lamps, central locking, engine immobilizer and others as safety measures.
Price
The Maruti Swift Dzire is priced at Rs. 4.85 lakh for the entry spec petrol variant and it goes all the way to Rs. 7.32 lakh for the top-of-the line model. On the other hand, the Tata Zest is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 4.9 to 7.5 lakh.
| Technical Specifications | Tata Zest | Maruti Swift Dzire |
| Petrol Engine | 1.2L Revotorn | 1.2L K-Series with VTVT |
| Diesel Engine | 1.3-litre Multi-Jet | 1.3-litre multi-jet |
| Power Output | 84bhp @5000rpm and 89bhp @4000rpm | 85bhp @6000rpm and 74bhp @4000rpm |
| Torque | 140Nm @1750rpm and 200Nm @1750-3000rpm | 114Nm @4000rpm and 190Nm @2000rpm |
| Mileage/Fuel Economy | 18kmpl petrol and 23kmpl Diesel | 19.1kmpl petrol and 23.4kmpl Diesel |
| Transmission/Gearbox | Five-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearbox | Five-speed manual & 4-speed auto gearbox |
| Overall Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3995mm | 3995mm |
| Width | 1695mm | 1695mm |
| Height | 1570mm | 1555mm |
| Wheelbase | 2470mm | 2430mm |
| Fuel Tank | 44-litres | 42-litres |
| Ground Clearance | 165mm | 170mm |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | Dual Path Independent McPherson strut with Antiroll Bar | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear | Semi Independent Twist beam with coil spring | Torsion Beam |
| Brakes | ||
| Front | Ventilated Disc | Disc |
| Rear | Drum | Drum |
