Tata Motors showcased its new design and tech direction in the guise of the ZEST, a compact sedan and the Bolt, a hatchback. The new approach is branded DesigNext, DriveNext, and ConnectNext each respectively associated with the design, drive train and in-car connectivity and entertainment traits of Tata cars in the future. While the new grill with the Humanity Line takes the lead in Tata Motors new design language, the recently launched REVOTRON 1.2T engine takes the lead in the drivetrain department. 5 inch touchscreen to enable you to control the electricals, MapmyIndia enabled navigation services and a HARMAN Infotainment System round off all that’s interesting in ConnectNext. The ZEST and the Bolt,set for launch in 2014, are manufactured on a completely enhanced X1 platform, marking a strategic shift towards a global portfolio of cars designed to offer high performance and connectivity.
 
Tata Motors  DesigNext, DriveNext, and ConnectNext
 

BOLT

Tata Motors unveils BOLT hatchback

Tata Motors unveils BOLT hatchback

ZEST

Tata Motors unveils ZEST compact sedan

Tata Motors unveils ZEST compact sedan

DesigNext

Tata’s grill has been evolving for quite some time now, with the Vista sporting one of our most favourite forms. Tata’s designers from Pune, Coventry and Turin have collaborated on the most recent evolution. They have introduced a new character line that flows across the grille and into the new headlamps. Tata calls it the Humanity Line. The ZEST will supersede or be sold along with Manza, and sports projector headlamps surrounded by chrome accents. Daytime running lights, trendy alloy wheels and Buzz Blue colour complete the ZEST. The BOLT also sports a roof spoiler which Tata Motors says iaids in aerodynamics.

Tata Motors unveils BOLT hatchback interior

The interiors look sporty but a we should probably reserve our opinion on how premium the interiors feel until a review. The driver-focused dashboard is swathed in chrome. The instrument cluster and the central AC vents are countoured as a single wing-shape.

Tata Motors unveils ZEST compact sedan interior

DriveNext

DriveNext is Tata’s new approach to driving dynamics. The ZEST and BOLT will be powered by Tata’s turbocharged intercooled multi-point fuel injected (MPFi) petrol engine, REVOTRON 1.2T . The diesel variant of ZEST will have F-Tronic 5 speed automated manual transmission and will be powered by the 1.3L Quadrajet making 90PS engine and 200 Nm of torque. The BOLT will be powered by a less powerful variant of the 1.3L Quadrajet 75PS and 190 Nm.

These new offerings from Tata will have Electronic Power Assisted System also boasts of ‘Active Return’ function and speed sensitive power steering – a first for both segments. In addition to ABS, Tata has also plonked in segment first Cornering Stability.

ConnectNext

Tata Motors has associated with HARMAN for designing the infotainment and audio acoustics system and with MapmyIndia for next generation navigation & location based services. The 5-inch touchscreen supports rich multimedia experience and the presence of advanced Bluetooth technology, smart voice recognition, advanced smartphone integration, supporting phone enabled navigation, social media integration, touch phone controlled interface all work towards an unparalled infotainment experience. The system has in-built HVAC controls.

Tata Motors unveils BOLT hatchback
The ZEST and the BOLT look promising and for the first time, these offerings from Tata look truly global, but somehow very Indian.