[GTO]

Mod Note: Team-BHP's Tata Zest Review has been taken live at this link. Please discuss the Tata Zest on the review thread.


A look at the Tata Motor's Pavilion.





Don't know the message that Tata's trying to send out, but there was no Aria, Manza, Vista etc. on display

[GTO]

I usually start off my reports with the most important cars on top, and I expected it's going to be the Zest & Bolt this time.

However, the Storme Ladakh edition just left us drooling. It's a masterpiece by the Tata Motors Design Team, with presence that beats SUVs costing 2X / 3X as much. Tasteful, butch and sexy...see one, want one.











Closer look at the headlamps:


Don't miss the LEDs:










Right next to her was a neat looking Sumo 4x4. Power comes from the familiar 3.0L CR4. 84 BHP & 250 Nm torque means not enough go to match the show.











Fabulous wheel arch treatment:

[GTO]

The Bolt is quite a good looking hatchback. Neutral styling & contemporary lines, albeit it won't stand out of the crowd either (something which, perhaps, Tata needs). The new skin makes it hard to believe that it's based on the Vista.

Power comes from Tata's new 1.2L turbo-petrol motor and the familiar 1.3L MJD. Good on Tata to finally drop the "Indica" name altogether (link). They're going to have to work hard at rebuilding a product's fresh identity though. The Bolt is an unknown name, competing against the 10-year strong Swift brand.







Sharp projector headlamps:


Thank God, the x'mas tree lights are gone:

[GTO]

Tata introduced India to the sub-4 meter sedan concept with the Indigo CS. However, due to a variety of reasons, others like the Dzire, Amaze etc. emerged with more success. This is the CS' spiritual successor. Compared to the Bolt, the Zest will run a higher tune diesel (89 BHP) and have the automated manual tranny, a segment first. The car gives you 3 options of driving modes: Economy, Cruze & Sport.













DRLs too:




Typical of Tata cars, the ground clearance appears generous:

[GTO]

You'd never have guessed this is actually a demo seat for Tata's next generation of AVN (audio, video, navigation) systems:


Once seated, you'll see the head-unit & climate control:


This head-unit is already in use in the Zest. The display is a touchscreen. Here, it's connected to an Android phone, showing its navigation app:


Download the free App on your phone to control the stereo & climate control from the back seat:


HVAC display & controls on the head-unit:


Full song details shown (including album art):


You can optimise the sound based on your seating position. Simply click the chair you're seated in:

[GTO]

The Nexon compact SUV concept is based on the X1 platform (same as the Bolt & Zest). It's merely a concept at this stage, but provides a glimpse into the design language Tata might adopt. This is Tata's design team having fun, letting their creativity flow.















ORVMs are so passe, cameras anyone?












Oddly enough, the oil & washer fillers were located outside the vehicle (below the windscreen):


This Connect-Next concept doesn't bother much about the exteriors. Rather, it's designers are focused on how car <-> human interaction will evolve:

[GTO]

Tata & Mahindra, both, wanted to give us a glimpse of how their design department works. So, a bunch of designers simply carried their gadgets & tools to the Expo:


I'm told that free-hand drawing is still cherished by these talented professionals:


Highly sensitive Wacom digital drawing tablet:


To get a feel of different colours on a certain body style:


Curved panels are also used to get a feel of the colour:


Early sketches of the Bolt & Zest:


Experimenting with controls:


Like the modified Storme in the opening post? Here's where it started:

[GTO]

Nano cutaway, kitted with an automated manual transmission:






Tata & Mahindra, both, had interesting merchandise on sale:




A watch branded 'Nano'....


....or pretty much any Tata car you can think of. Take your pick:






JLR wouldn't be too far behind when we're talking of licensed goods:

[avishar]

Lovely coverage GTO!

Although i must be the only one who is not falling head over heels with the new Tata designs.The front of the Bolt and Zest remind me of the new Kia's.And the rear of both look wierdly pinched.Bolt rear looks like a bulked up Nano.

Interiors are top notch though and very clean and neat.

Ladakh edition look a bit overkill IMO and the bulked up Sumo is trying a bit too much.

Nevertheless,i hope and i am sure the Bolt and Zest mark the turn around Tata desperately needed.Good job!

[phamilyman]

First up, great job on some awesome coverage here. I'm surprised seeing the lack of crowds - in 2010, on the media day, it was simply overflowing, with no space to shoot anything!

Coming to the cars, I'll have to disagree here - i like the Zest but the bolt screams vista from a mile away (esp side profile and front 3/4ths)! I quite like the AMT introduction in the Zest. Can you post some interior pics of the Zest showing how the central console/gear lever area will now look like?

Even their concepts, look too far out, to be taken seriously. Unlike the Ecosport, which was delivered by Ford, exactly like what we saw in the 2012 Auto Expo.

The 4WD sumo looks ordinary. I mean cars have been having the 4 roof mounted lights in India for a decade- just a sharp paint job together with MT tyres doesn't do much for me though.

[Strangerintown]

Originally Posted by phamilyman

i like the Zest but the bolt screams vista from a mile away (esp side profile and front 3/4ths)!

The Bolt does look very Vista-ish! The only angle from which it looks totally different is from the rear and ofcourse the interiors.

However, for me atleast that is not a bad thing as I always liked the look of the Vista.

[mallumowgli]

Since they have not changed the roof-line and the hood the Bolt will always look very much like the Vista. However the removal of the X-mas tree tail lights is a welcome move. A bit of wrap-around effect for the tail lamps would have made the rear a bit more interesting.

Storme mods look like after market modifications - also a bit over the top

But the Tata stall shows intent

[Roomy]

Originally Posted by phamilyman

. I mean cars have been having the 4 roof mounted lights in India for a decade

Aren't these light illegal? I am under the impression that any lights above the eye level of a normal man is outlawed currently.

[advaitlele]

Thanks GTO for the superb coverage.

I liked the Safari Ladakh edition.

Zest to me looks well thought of and well made car. Bolt overall looks fine; but for the rear end, especially tail lights.
As always, Tatas have been very generous in interior space and I doubt it would be any different in these two new launches.
AMT is something I am eagerly waiting for. Having driven a Tata for last seven years, and without any complains; I am more than keen to see the AMT for real.
That adds to another choice for me in my buying decision.

[rangarx]

I am really overwhelmed with the honest attempt on the make over of the cars by Tata Motors. The interiors especially have been a sea change.. I am proud to see my homeland company making such genuine efforts. My next car would be a Tata!

Thanks for the excellent coverage GTO. I love this.