Zica reflects a new design, engineering direction for Tata Motors

It was in June 2013 that Tata Motors announced its Horizonext strategy to turnaround its struggling passenger vehicle business. Two and a half years later, the first fully new product in the form of the Zica is ready to hit the market. The work on the Zica (project name Kite) started in 2012 though.

One can make out at the very first look that Tata Motors has taken a completely new design approach. Pratap Bose, the company’s design head says that Zica marks the beginning of a new design philosophy at Tata Motors. The car has a sculpted look with sharp lines that run around the body. A redesigned three dimensional Tata logo also appears in the Zica. Though design appeal is subjective, it is likely that majority of the people would rate the Zica better designed than previous Tata cars. It is the first Tata car which has been fully designed in-house with inputs from the company’s design centres in Pune, UK and Italy.

The interior has an understated premium feel. No beige here. The Zica gets a black and grey dual tone dashboard. The quality of the plastics, some of which are textured, are quite good. On teh fit and finish parameter too, Tata Motors has evolved significantly. Tata Motors’ senior VP Girish Wagh says that is because all components have undergone stringent tests for environmental ageing, perceived quality and BSM (buzz, squeak and rattle). Like many other new models, the Zica offers multiple storage spaces (22). It offers a 240-litre boot space with hooks on either side to carry small shopping bags (upto 3 KGs).

New “Futureproof” Engine Strategy

Along with its design, the engine options are the highlights of the Zica. A set of new engines – a 1.05 litre 70PS diesel branded as ‘Revotorq’ and a 1.2 litre 85PS petrol in the ‘Revotron’ series will be drive the compact car. These are also the first set of 3-cylinder engines from Tata Motors. The new set of engines reflect Tata Motors’ powertrain downsizing strategy to offer better fuel efficiency and meet future emission norms. The new engine architecture is capable of meeting BSVI norms “and beyond”.

The naturally aspirated petrol engine is the first from Tata to have a variable cam timing technology. Tata Motors says that it has used a low-weight crankcase set-up and a variable oil pump to deliver ‘higher fuel efficiency’.  Tata Motors has not disclosed the fuel efficiency figures but it is learnt that the engine may deliver 6-7 percent better fuel efficiency over Zica’s competitors. The engine has hydraulic lash adjusters, durable chain-drive and an auto-tensioner at the Front-end Accessory Drive for low cost operation and maintenance.

 The diesel engine promises the highest torque in the segment with a figure of 140NM at 1800-3000rpm. The engine comes with a turbocharger, electronic throttle control and optimised compression ratio aimed at flat torque delivery and better driveability. A balancer shaft (not there in the petrol engine) is used to reduce engine vibrations. Along with fuel efficiency, Tata engineers have worked on improving life of the timing belt, auxiliary belt and extend intervals for oil and fuel filter change to offer low cost of ownership.

After driving both cars, it is clear that the engineers have done a good job in the area of ride and handling with the use of dual path suspension. More insulation from the noise and vibration that comes from the 3-cylinder engine would have made the drive more enjoyable.

Like the Zest and Bolt, the Zica also offers multi-drive modes. It offers two modes (City and Eco), instead of three in the other cars.

The Zica is 3746 mm in length and 1647 mm in width. It has a wheelbase of 2400mm. The track at the rear is extended to the maximum to give the car a sporty stance. The rear fenders have been pinched out a bit to cover the wheels as mandatory under regulations. Small ‘winglets’ have been added on both sides of the spoiler to enhance the air flow around the car.

A team of up to 250 engineers worked on the Zica project, the first car by Tata which has been fully developed in-house. The access to technology at Jaguar Land River also helped. Especially to improve perceived quality, surface finish and validation of the car. The Zica is also the first Tata car to be validated digitally to a great extent. “60-65 percent of the product is validated digitally before we built the prototype. It pays off massively in terms of the focus you can bring in the quality of the way the car comes together,” Dr. Timothy Leverton, president and head, advanced and product engineering, Tata Motors told Autocar Professional.

The Zica comes equipped with driver and front passenger airbags, speed-sensing door locks and an engine immobiliser. It is also equipped with ABS and EBD.

Another highlight of the Zica is its infotainment system. Audi equipment maker Harman’s association with Tata Motors extends to this hatchback , where it has fitted a system with 4 speakers and 4 tweeters. Under Tata’s ConnectNext approach, the Zica offers turn-by-turn navigation when connected to a smartphone through Bluetooth. A ‘Juke-Car’ app offers all occupants of the car to add songs in the playlist for the car’s system to play.

After spending a few hours with the Zica, one can say that Tata Motors has put in its best efforts to build a capable car that will have the responsibility to play a key role to change the company’s fortune in the car market. Now it depends on the Zica’s varianting and pricing strategy as well as the after-sales support that will determine its appeal to customers.

The Zica is set to be launched in January 2016.