Tata’s most important salvo at the Indian car market is their compact sedan Zest which has been very recently launched in the market. But what is it that has changed that gives Tata a hope that the Zest will fill the chinks in their armour?
We have talked about its comparisons with rivals – Dzire, Amaze and Xcent here and today let us have a look at a quick comparison between its siblings – Manza and Indigo eCS!
Zest vs Manza vs Indigo eCS: Diesel
| Specification | Zest Quadrajet 90PS | Zest Quadrajet 75PS | Manza Q-jet 90 | Indigo eCS CR4 | Indigo eCS TDi |
| Engine | 1.3L Quadrajet | 1.3L Quadrajet | 1.3L Quadrajet | 1.4L CR4 diesel | 1.4L TDi |
| Max. Power | 90PS @4000rpm | 75PS @4000rpm | 90PS @4000rpm | 70PS @4000rpm | 70PS @4500rpm |
| Peak Torque | 200Nm @1750-3000rpm | 190Nm @1750-3000rpm | 200Nm @1750-3000rpm | 140Nm @1800-3000rpm | 135Nm @2500rpm |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual/ 5speed AMT | 5 speed manual | 5 speed manual | 5 speed manual | 5 speed manual |
| Dimension (in mm) | 3995×1706×1570 | 3995×1706×1570 | 4413×1703×1550 | 3988×1620×1540 | 3988×1620×1540 |
| Wheelbase | 2470mm | 2470mm | 2520mm | 2450mm | 2450mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165mm | 165mm | 165mm | 165mm | 165mm |
| Fuel Tank | 44L | 44L | 44L | 42L | 42L |
| Turning Radius | 5.1m | 5.1m | 5.1m | 5.0m | 5.0m |
| Boot Space | 390L | 390L | 460L | 380L | 380L |
| Tires | 185/60 R15 (alloy) | 185/60 R15 (alloy) | 185/60 R15 (steel/alloy) | 175/65 R14 (steel/alloy) | 175/65 R14 (steel/alloy) |
| Prices (in ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 6.27 lakhs to Rs 6.99 lakhs | Rs 5.64 lakhs | Rs 5.91 lakhs to Rs 8.22 lakhs | Rs 5.38 lakhs to Rs 5.89 lakhs | Rs 4.99 lakhs to Rs 5.34 lakhs |
Both the Zest & Manza share the Fiat sourced 1.3L Multijet diesel engine and produces same power and at same rpms. The Indigo eCS, on the other hand, uses Tata’s own set of engines.
In addition to the regular 5-Speed manual transmission, Zest also comes with a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) on the diesel mill which makes it the cheapest automatic sedan in the country.
In terms of size, Zest is longer than Indigo but smaller than Manza. However, it is as wide and slightly taller than the bigger sibling. Owing to a smaller size, Zest has a smaller wheelbase but same sized fuel tank and turning radius!
Zest also comes with 15 inch tyres with alloys as standard. Prices range within the 6-7 lakh price bracket and you can have the top of the line Zest at an ex-showroom Delhi price of Rs 6.99 Lakhs, much lesser than Rs 8.22 Lakhs of the Manza.
Zest vs Manza vs Indigo eCS: PETROL
Let’s have a look at the petrol scenario then…
| Specification | Tata Zest (P) | Manza Saf 90 | Indigo eCS |
| Engine | 1.2L Revotron | 1.4L Safire | 1.2L MPFi |
| Max. Power | 90PS @5000rpm | 90PS @6000rpm | 65PS @5000rpm |
| Peak Torque | 140Nm @1750-3500rpm | 116Nm @4750rpm | 100Nm @2700rpm |
| Air charging system | Turbocharged | Naturally aspirated | Naturally aspirated |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 5 speed manual | 5 speed manual |
| Dimension (in mm) | 3995×1706×1570 | 4413×1703×1550 | 3988×1620×1540 |
| Wheelbase | 2470mm | 2520mm | 2450mm |
| Ground Clearance | 175mm | 165mm | 165mm |
| Fuel Tank | 44L | 44L | 42L |
| Turning Radius | 5.1m | 5.1m | 5.0m |
| Boot Space | 390L | 460L | 380L |
| Tires | 185/60 R15 (alloy) | 185/60 R15 (steel/alloy) | 175/65 R14 (steel/alloy) |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 4.64 lakhs to Rs 5.99 lakhs | Rs 5.91 lakhs to Rs 7.28 lakhs | Rs 4.92 lakhs to Rs 5.20 lakhs |
Zest has a clear edge here. Manza sourced its petrol engine from Fiat, however, the company’s own 1.2L Revotron motor has an equivalent power output (at lesser rpms) but more importantly higher peak torque (also coming at lesser rpms). Indigo is a no match here!
The 1.2L motor is all-new and the only turbocharged petrol engine in the segment. And at starting prices of Rs 4.64 Lakhs, topping at Rs 5.99 Lakhs, it is terrific value for money as well.
Clearly, Zest appears to be a whole generation better car than the old Manza and decades old Indigo and at luring prices.
Related: 2014 Fiesta vs Vento vs Linea vs Rapid vs SX4: Price & Spec Comparo
So petrol has better ground clearance than the diesel twin?
Yes! for some reason!