Tata Zest compact sedan first look review

Say hello to Tata’s all-new sub-four-metre sedan, the Zest. In a bid to move away from the un-inspirational images of the Vista and the Manza, Tata Motors intends to change the image of its products and make them more desirable. Based on the same platform as the Vista, the Zest, like the Bolt hatchback, is extensively re-engineered and comes across as a promising prospect.

It’s difficult to mistake this car for anything other than a Tata, especially with its Vista-like silhouette. Almost every body panel has been changed and the car looks much sharper and more youthful. 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 power bulge on the bonnet. It also gets LED daytime-running lights and a chrome strip bordering the grille.

Viewed in profile, the Zest boasts a thick character line, and it's even got a black strip on the running board and the lower side of the bumper to help reduce the visual bulk. 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. It continues to carry forward the high cowl of the Vista, which makes it difficult to get that rising window line or a tipped-forward stance that is a trademark of all good-looking sedans today. The 16-inch wheels add to the Zest's tall stance.