Tata Bolt Quadrajet XE

Bolt Quadrajet XE Review

Tata Motors has finally launched its much awaited hatchback, Bolt in the Indian car market. It is a perfect fusion of sporty design and thrilling performance. This hatchback is going to compete against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Chevrolet Beat, Hyundai i10, Honda Brio, Fiat Punto EVO, Volkswagen Polo and many other vehicles in this segment. It is being sold in several variants in both petrol and diesel engine options for the buyers to choose from. Tata Bolt Quadrajet XE is the entry level trim in this model series. It is fitted with a 1.3-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc. This power plant is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows it to deliver a decent performance. It has the capacity of churning out a maximum power and torque output of 73.9bhp and 190Nm respectively. The braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient and it keeps it well balanced and stable. The company has given this vehicle an attractive exteriors, which are designed with a bold radiator grille, dual tone bumpers, flame shaped tail light cluster, LED illumination of rear license plate and so on. At the same time, its internal cabin is bestowed with a number of features like an advanced instrument panel with lots of functions, air conditioner with a heater, foldable key and many more. All these features put together makes it one of the good looking and comfortable vehicle in its segment. On the other hand, this hatchback series is being offered with a standard warranty of three years or 100000 Kilometers (whichever comes first). However, the customers can also opt for the extended warranty program at an additional cost paid to authorized dealer. It decreases their hassle and keeps them stress free at all times with regards to the maintenance and upkeep of their vehicle.

Exteriors:

To begin with the frontage, it has a bold radiator grille, which has a lot of chrome treatment. This grille is surrounded by a well designed headlight cluster, which is incorporated with smoked out multi reflector headlamps and side turn indicator. The dual tone bumper houses a wide air dam for cooling the engine. Its windscreen is accompanied by a pair of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, it has black colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. It has neatly crafted wheel arches, which are fitted with a robust set of 14-inch steel wheels. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 175/65 R14, which provides superior grip on any road conditions. Its rear end comes with a curvy boot lid, which is embossed with variant badging. Its windshield is integrated with a high mounted stop lamp. Apart from these, it also has a roof mounted antenna, LED illumination on license plate, humanity line with matte black finish and flame shaped tail light cluster. The company has given this compact hatchback a standard overall dimensions. Its length, width and height are 3825mm, 1695mm and 1562mm respectively. It has a large wheelbase of 2470mm along with a decent ground clearance of 165mm.

Interiors:

The company has given this recently launched hatchback an attractive internal section, which is designed in snazzy Java black color scheme. It is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with premium fabric upholstery and offers ample leg space along with head room. These seats are integrated with head restraints. The rear seat comes with split foldable function, which helps in increasing the boot volume of car. Its smooth dashboard is equipped with quite a few features like AC vents, a three spoke steering wheel, a large glove box with pen and card holder and an advanced instrument panel. It houses a low fuel warning light, seat belt reminder notification, a digital tachometer, door open and key-in reminder, digital fuel gauge and door open display for keeping the driver updated. At the same time, its driver information system houses, a digital clock, in-gear and shift recommendation, tripmeter, instantaneous and average fuel efficiency, distance to empty and ambient temperature indication. The car manufacturer has given this Tata Bolt Quadrajet XE variant a number of utility aspects for convenience of its occupants. The list of features include cup and bottle holders, map pockets in front doors, rear parcel shelf and so on.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is fitted with a 1.3-litre Quadrajet diesel engine under the bonnet, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using DOHC based valve configuration. This engine is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel injection supply system, which allows the hatchback to deliver a decent mileage. It has the ability of churning out 17 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions, while its mileage goes up to 23 Kmpl on the bigger roads. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It enables the motor to zoom towards a top speed of 165 Kmph approximately. At the same time, it takes about 15 seconds for crossing the speed barrier of 100 Kmph from a standstill. This diesel engine has the capacity of generating a maximum power of 73.9bhp at 4000rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 190Nm between 1750 to 3000rpm, which is rather decent for this class.

Braking and Handling:

The company has given this compact hatchback an efficient braking mechanism. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes, while rear ones have been equipped with a sturdy set of drum brakes. On the other hand, its front axle is assembled with a dual path McPherson strut, while rear one gets twist beam type of mechanism. Both these front and rear axle is further assisted by coil spring and anti roll bar, which helps in keeping the vehicle agile on any road conditions. Its electronic power assisted steering wheel is quite responsive and makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. It comes with tilt adjustment function and supports a minimum turning radius of 5.1 meters, which is quite good for this class.

Comfort Features:

This Tata Bolt Quadrajet XE trim is equipped with all features, which are essential for a comfortable driving experience. It has an efficient air conditioning unit, which regulates the entire cabin's temperature. It also has a cabin heater along with dust and pollen filter. Apart from this, it is bestowed with a number of aspects like a foldable key, remote fuel and tailgate opener, sun visors along with passenger side vanity mirror, front wipers with five speed settings, adjustable front head restraints, all four power windows with driver side auto down function and many other such aspects. It also has a 12V power socket for charging mobiles and other electronic devices.

Safety Features:

Being the entry level variant, it is bestowed with a lot of crucial aspects, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. It has an advanced engine immobilizer, which prevents the vehicle from theft and and any unauthorized entry. The company has given it seat belts for all occupants, which minimizes the effort of crash. It also has driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel. The rigid body structure comes with impact beams and crumple zones that reduces the impact of collision. It also has a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre. It is a standard feature across all the variants. In addition to these, it also has rear doors with child locking system, a high mounted stop lamp, a centrally located fuel tank and so on.

Pros:

1. Attractive external appearance with lots of styling aspects.

2. Braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient.

Cons:

1. Engine noise and vibration can be reduced.

2. Absence of music system is a big plus point.