Tata Bolt Quadrajet XMS

Bolt Quadrajet XMS Review

Tata Motors has finally launched its new compact hatchback, Bolt in the Indian automobile market with both petrol and diesel engine options for the buyers to choose from. It comes in quite a few trim levels, out of which, Tata Bolt Quadrajet XMS is a mid level variant. This vehicle is incorporated with a 1.3-litre, Quadrajet diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc. This power plant is integrated with a common rail direct injection system and gets a 5-speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It is blessed with a wonderful interior cabin that is loaded with a lot of stunning aspects. This is incorporated with well cushioned seats that offer enough leg room, a latest infotainment system, which is operated through a remote and supports radio tuner and USB port as well. This trim has an extraordinary external appearance and include aspects like a LED tail lamps, Tata signature grille with unique humanity line, ORVMs and body colored bumpers. At present, the company is selling this model series in quite a few sparkling exterior paint options, which are Venetian Red, Pristine White, Platinum Silver, Dune Beige and Sky Silver. There are neatly carved wheel arches which are fitted with a robust set of 14-inch steel wheels, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 175/65 R15 that offer excellent grip on roads. The car maker has blessed this hatchback with a lot of safety aspects including ABS with EBD and CSC, front seat belts and dual front airbags. This hatchback will compete against the likes of Hyudai i10, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Fiat Punto EVO, Honda Brio, Chevrolet Beat, Volkswagen Polo and others in this segment. On the other hand, it is being offered with a standard warranty of three years or 100000 Kilometers, whichever is earlier.

Exteriors:

This compact hatchback has an eye catching external appearance and it is fitted with a number of notable aspects. To begin with the rear end, it has a curvy boot lid, which is embossed with variant badging and a body colored strip. Its radiant tail light cluster is integrated with halogen based reverse light and side turn indicator. It has a body colored bumper, which is further fitted with a protective cladding underneath it. The windscreen is made of tinted glass and has a defogger along with LED high mounted stop lamp. Coming to its side profile, it is designed with a few strong character lines and body colored door handles. It has electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors that have side turn LED indicators. The front facade of this hatchback has a bold radiator grille with a thick chrome strip and it is embossed with a prominent company's insignia. It is surrounded by a trendy looking headlight cluster that is equipped with projector headlamps and side turn indicator. The windscreen is accompanied by a couple of intermittent wipers. It has a slanting bonnet with a few visible character lines on it. The bumper comes with a wide air intake section, which is surrounded by a couple of fog lamps. Its overall dimensions are quite standard and is designed with a large wheelbase of 2470mm. The overall length is 3825mm along with a width of 1695mm and has a total height of 1562mm. It has a minimum ground clearance of 165mm. For planning a longer drive, the company has given this hatchback a reasonably good fuel tank, which can store about 44 litres of diesel in it.

Interiors:

This mid range variant comes with a spacious cabin that is incorporated with comfy seats, which are covered with premium fabric upholstery. The rear seat come split foldable function, which helps in increasing the boot volume of car. These seats provide enough leg space and head room for all passengers. The smooth dashboard is beautifully decorated with Java black color that gives a pleasant look to its passengers. It is equipped with AC vents, a large glove box, an advanced instrument and a three spoke steering wheel, which is tilt adjustable. The gear shift lever with aluminum finishing and door trim with fabric inserts further enhances the look of its interiors. The instrument panel is equipped with several functions like distance to empty information, digital fuel gauge, light off and key in reminder with buzzer, individual door open display and many other warning and notifications for keeping the driver updated. It also includes gear shift indicator, segmented multi information display, driver seat belt reminder with buzzer and fuel consumption display.

Engine and Performance:

This Tata Bolt Quadrajet XMS trim is powered by a 1.3-litre diesel engine, under the bonnet, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1248cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and 16-valves that is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. This common rail direct injection based diesel mill helps in delivering a decent fuel economy. It can generate about 18 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions, while its mileage goes up to 23 Kmpl approximately on the bigger roads. This power plant has the capacity of churning out a maximum power of 73.9bhp at 4000rpm and produce a peak torque output of 190Nm in the range of 1750 to 3000rpm. This power plant is skillfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which allows the hatchback to attain a top speed of 165 Kmph and it can accelerate from zero to 100 Kmph in close to 15 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

The company has given this hatchback a proficient braking as well as a reliable suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced at all times. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes and rear ones have been equipped with conventional drum brakes. This braking mechanism is further assisted by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and cornering stability control (CSC). It has an efficient suspension system wherein, a dual path independent McPherson strut is affixed on its front axle with anti roll bar. On the other hand, its rear axle is assembled with twist beam, which also has shock absorbers. Both these axles are further assisted by coil springs. This trim is incorporated with an electric power assisted steering system, which is quite responsive. It also has tilt adjustment function and results in smooth handling while supporting a minimum turning radius of 5.1 meters.

Comfort Features:

This latest compact hatchback is bestowed with a lot of comfort aspects that results in an enjoyable driving experience. There is height adjustment facility available to the driver's seat, while the rear seat comes with adjustable headrest. The air conditioning unit comes with a heater and it helps in cooling the entire cabin quickly. For in-car entertainment, the company has given it a ConnectNext infotainment system by Harman. It supports USB port, Aux-in, AM/FM radio tuner, speakers as well as tweeters. It also features Bluetooth connectivity along with audio streaming for pairing mobile phones. It has a multifunctional steering wheel that is mounted with phone as well as audio control buttons. It is equipped with a number of utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, map pockets in all doors, glove box with pen and card holder, interior lamps with theater dimming effect, rear luggage cover and many other such features. It also has a spacious luggage compartment of 210 litres, which can be increased by folding its rear seat.

Safety Features:

The list of safety aspects in Tata Bolt Quadrajet XMS include driver seat belt reminder with buzzer, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and cornering stability control, front and rear fog lamps, speed dependent auto door lock system, driver and passenger airbags and engine immobilizer that prevents unauthorized entry. It has a rigid body structure, which comes with impact beams and crumple zones for reducing the impact of collision. The company has also given it a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre.


Pros:

1. Engine performance is decent.

2. Braking system is reliable.

Cons:

1. Engine noise and harshness can be reduced.

2. Absence of alloy wheels is disadvantage.