The Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP) has tested Tata’s compact sedan Zest as part of #safercarsforIndia campaign. The nonprofit organisation tested two versions of Zest sedan, the non airbag variant scored zero in the crash test while the variant which scored an impressive four stars was loaded with dual front airbags.
The airbags equipped trim scored two stars in child occupant protection thanks to child restraint system. The tested vehicle was the improved version but despite the changes bodyshell integrity of the sedan is rated as unstable. The company has assured that the improvement will be brought to all the versions of the compact sedan.
| Basis | Airbags equipped Zest | Non-Airbag equipped Zest |
| Adult occupant protection | 11.15 out of 17.00 (4-star) | 0.00 out of 17 (0-star) |
| Child occupant protection | 15.52 out of 49.00 (2-star) | 12.11 out of 49.00 (2 Star) |
Zest was the first Tata product which wears brand’s new and latest HORIZONEXT technology. According to Tata, it has been designed with inputs taken from world class design centers in Italy, UK and India. Just to remind, Zest is available with a 1.2 litre Revotron engine which is claimed to deliver 90PS power and 140Nm of torque. There is an also a 1.3l Multijet diesel engine that delivers 75PS/90PS of power and 200Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and an AMT gearbox. The sales of Zest are no longer impressive as before and it retails close to 2000 units a month.
Mr. Rohit Baluja, President of the Institute of Road Traffic Education said: “Moving the Zest from zero to four stars is a significant achievement, and we are very happy that changes they have made to the vehicle structure will be adopted on all versions of the vehicle. The concept of Star rating should not be limited to compliance, but should be taken as the challenge of producing a safe vehicle which would have the ability of supporting the avoidance of a crash and, on the other side, limiting the injury to vehicle occupants and that of people outside the vehicle in case of a crash. This challenge demonstrated by Tata Motors would set yet another example in Indian automobile industry, and would ultimately lead to a consumer awakening towards choosing safer vehicles.”
Mr. David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP said: “Tata has shown how they can dramatically improve the safety of the Zest. It is encouraging to see a major Indian brand improving the safety of their models. We strongly encourage Indian consumers to opt for the much safer four star rated option. We also urge Tata to consider making the two airbag version of the Zest their basic model.”
