Tata Motors has been looking forward to the launch of its new vehicles this season. The sales numbers have shown positive response and the delivery centres at the dealerships were busy for the major part of the year. The major driving point for this factor was the launch of Zest during the closing months of the previous year. Tata, however, was keeping a better product up its sleeve, for the future. The Bolt was based on the Zest and the styling cues are almost similar with the Zest. The only difference between the two models is that the new car has no protrusion at the boot region. Also, the competition of the Bolt is against much higher models - Hyundai Grand i10 as well as Maruti Suzuki Swift.
The styling of the Bolt is neat and tidy. The car has sufficient poise and has sharp features to have a cut above the rest of the hatchbacks. The finishing of the car is suave enough to stand out among the rest of the models in contention. The piano-black finish gives it an uncluttered finish and a decent appearance. Moreover, Tata has imparted a sturdy build to make this model ideal for the urban roads.
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Exterior
Bolt has a smart design, which is a combination of the best ideas from the design studios of the company located in Pune (India), Coventry (UK) and at Turin (Italy). According to Tata, this car is a path-breaking innovation as far as the design elements are concerned. Bolt is an interesting addition to the three aspects of Tata’s new innovation - ConnectNext, DriveNext and DesignNext. The aspects include bolstering the look, appearance and connectivity of the car. It has been said that the attractive features and the renewed design elements will attract the Indian youth.
The silhouette of the car initially gives the impression that the new car is inspired from the Indica. However, the design elements are totally new. Sporting a completely new grille, the car comes with revised headlights with projectors, a revamped bumper. The windows accentuate in a curve towards the rear of the hatchback. Rounded edges have been imparted to the rear side of the model, which give it a premium look. Unlike the Zest, this design has imparted a complete look to the Bolt. The back end of the vehicle sports a chrome grille, low-mount stop lamps and completely new lamps.
Interior
The inside of the cabin comes with a black and white combination with interior setup with gauges on the steering back. The overall features and design lists are similar to the Zest sedan. This hatchback comes with ample space, so expect to have a comfortable journey on-board.
The car manufacturer had recently associated with MapMyIndia, which enables the utilisation of GPS navigation technology in the Bolt hatch model. This allows drivers to synchronise their smartphones to the head unit with the Bolt. Apart from this fact, the top-of-the-line variants of the Bolt are equipped with Harman infotainment system, which also might attract the youth.
Engine and Transmission
The model comes with both options in petrol and diesel engines. The Revotron 1.2-litre turbocharged Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI) petrol mill produces 90 bhp and a torque output of 140 Nm. Three multi-drive options are available that are Eco, Sport and City modes. The diesel model utilises a Quadrajet 1.3-litre engine, which generates 75 bhp power and a torque output of 190 Nm. Five-speed manual transmission system is offered on both the models. However, it might be expected that the brand will launch AMT on the diesel model.
Performance and Handling
The car feels superb to drive without any sudden boost of power at low revs. However, as the rev range is climbed, the noise gets slightly more giving a coarse feel of the engine. Moreover, the steering wheel on the car is an exquisite piece of machinery, which gives it the power to manoeuvre the car even in tight spaces. Ideal for a city hatchback, this car gives an exquisite feel of handling the car through tight situations.
Braking System
The brakes of the car are sublime and are enough to rein in the car even under emergency situations. Given the price range of the model, the car is responsive to normal braking pattern on urban roads. Moreover, the braking aspect is enhanced by the usage of the advanced ABS with EBD as well as CSC. These standard facilities make this car a smart choice for the urban public.
Mileage
The 1248 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 16 kmpl in city and 18 kmpl on highways, while the Petrol variant offers a mileage of 14 kmpl on urban roads and 16 kmpl and freeways, respectively.
Safety Features
Apart from the natural safety features like ABS and EBD with CSC, other features like dual front airbags take care of the safety elements in the proper manner. Speed sensor auto-locking patterns on all doors make for a better car to choose even if you are taking the highways. Like other hatches, smart rear wiper makes the rear glass clean for efficient manoeuvring of the car.
Verdict
Tata Bolt is a smart option to go with if you are looking for a smart hatchback within an affordable price range. Replete with almost all standard features characteristic of these models, this car is responsive, comfortable and an affordable option for the average urban.
Competition
Tata Bolt receives competition from other popular hatches in this category like Fiat Punto Evo, Hyundai Grand i10, Maruti Swift and Elite i20.
Pros
Affordable Hatchback
Comfortable and Spacious
Cons
Low power output
