The Zest sedan from Tata Motors has impressed the automotive fraternity by earning a 4-star safety rating in the Global NCAP crash test. Coincidentally, this also makes it the first passenger vehicle from an Indian company to score high pointers on safety. As cars without airbags do not qualify under basic parameters set by the Global NCAP, the base variant of Zest has scored a zero for adult occupant protection and one star for child occupant protection. The new version with optional airbags is the one that has scored impressively.
The test model which has scored well comes with two airbags, two pre-tensioners and seat belt reminder in the driver seat. Additionally, it also comes with a child restraint system thereby improving rear seat child occupant protection to 2 stars. David Ward, Secretary General of Global NCAP, commended Tata Motors on its fresh accomplishment and has encouraged the company to introduce airbags to be offered as standard from the base variant itself. Moreover, Ward also urged Indian consumers to opt for safer cars.
Apart from Tata Zest, the Toyota Etios has managed to earn 4-star safety rating for adult occupant safety back in February this year. The Zest compact sedan from Tata Motors is available in petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol version is powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron engine which comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission to generate 88bhp of power, while the diesel trim comes with a 1.3-litre Quadrajet engine which generates 74bhp of power. The diesel engine is available in five-speed manual and five-speed AMT gearbox options.
