Swift Dzire sedan is based on Swift hatchback platform and has been a huge hit right from its inception days. Tackling and competing against a well established machine that has been performing well in its segment is not an easy task. The challenge seems to be well accepted by the yet to be launched Zest sedan from Tata Motors stable. The sedan has been one of the most awaited car in 2014 and it is expected to be launched sometime soon in the second half of this year.
The Zest sedan from Tata shall be powered by a 1.2 Litre MPFI Turbocharged petrol Revotron engine that generates about 83bhp of power with 140Nm of torque. The sedan shall also be available in a diesel variant and shall be powered by a VGT 1.3-litre multijet diesel engine that generates about 89 Bhp. Both the engines have been mated to a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission gearbox. The the Automated Gear Shifter feature on the diesel version shall earn Zest the title of being cheapest automatic diesel sedan in the country. Tata Zest has been made a reality owing to valuable design inputs received from three Tata Motors design studios located in Coventry (UK), Turin (Italy) and Pune (India).
The Drivenext philosophy features F-Tronic Automated manual transmission technology. The car is loaded with safety features like feature ABS, EPAS, speed sensitive power steering and Active Return function. The car shall also get next generation Harman infotainment system that lets you access your entire collection of videos, music and more on the 5 inch touchscreen. Ankush Arora, senior vice-president and head, Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business Unit at Tata Motors, said, “It is a new phase for Tata Motors. We are putting a tremendous effort to make sure that every aspect of our business is in place ahead of these two major launches. We are attempting to re-haul the perception of Tata Motors brand.” Pricing shall only be known post its launch which is due sometime early in the second half of this year.
The current generation of Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire is available in both Petrol and diesel variants. The petrol variant gets a 1197cc, K-12 engine mated with the impressive Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology. The unique mechanism initiates timely valve opening and closing that results in better power and efficiency, thereby helping with smooth acceleration and a quicker response. The 1248cc, D13A diesel engine is said to be the most refined and evolved engine in this segment. The diesel version also gets an an inter-cooled turbo charger that delivers maximum efficiency and superior performance. The petrol version generates about 87 Ps of maximum power with 114 Nm of torque, whereas the diesel variant generates about 75 Ps of power with 190 Nm of torque.
The overall drive experience in Swift Dzire is stable, comfortable and enjoyable owing to MacPherson strut with coil spring suspension for front wheels and Torsion-beam with coil spring suspension for the rear wheels. Safety is also taken care off by the Indian car-maker with the Airbags, Brake Assist System (BAS) and Anti Lock braking system (ABS). The Dzire sedan is offered at a starting price of Rs. 4,85,162 (Ex-showroom Delhi). Whether the competition will stand solid ground or is just overrated shall only be known post the Zest sedan makes way into the Indian market.
