Tata Motors, one of the leading automakers in the country has earned a 4-star safety rating for Zestcompact sedan in crash test conducted by the Global NCAP. The fresh scores makes it the first passenger vehicle from an Indian company which has scored high points on the safety aspect. However, the base variant which misses out on airbag has scored a zero star as it fails to qualify under basic parameters set by the Global NCAP.

The new Zest version which comes loaded with two airbags, two pre-tensioners and seat belt reminder in the driver seat, is the one which has scored impressively. This version also comes with a child restraint system, thereby improving rear seat child occupant protection to two stars unlike the base version which has received one star. 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.

Back in February this year, the Etios from Toyota has been the only car apart from Tata Zest, which has managed to earn a 4-star safety rating for adult occupant safety. 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.

[source;carwale]