Driving Tata Motors ZICA in Goa was fantastico
I love automobiles and over the past few years, there is a fair share of my tweets dedicated to some of the most gorgeous cars I have driven, experienced, seen zoom past by and few others which I simply drool at.
Needless to say, I was very much excited to receive the special invite from TATA MOTORS to test drive and experience their all new ZICA first-hand in the beautiful city of Goa.
By the way, in case you are wondering, ZICA stands for the car’s Zippy drive experience.
There were a total of 60 Professional Social media Bloggers across all of India who were specially chosen and invited to be a part of this event launch experience.
The journey began from Mumbai and myself, along with the other 59 Social media bloggers, landed in Goa to be greeted by the team with a warm smile ready and geared up to take us to Alila Diwa resort in Goa for the stay and the car’s event launch experience.
The indiblogger team (the indicrew) were all set to welcome us at the resort and they had made every single arrangement to make our stay and event a wonderful experience.
After a scrumptious lunch, all of us headed to the nearby beach and it was stunningly gorgeous. The sun glimmered in the ocean and the view was simply breathtaking.
We had an amazing time here with some really fun beach activities.
We then headed back to the Hotel for ZICA’s technical specification introductions by the departmental heads who designed this gorgeous vehicle.
The head of design and engineering kept us at the edge of our seats as they explained the details about the car, the journey behind the design, the detailing, consumer research, life-size clay model car testing, engine testing and the entire process which resulted in this gorgeous automobile.
Then Delna Avari (Marketing – Tata Motors) introduced us to the story and how the iconic Lionel Messi came into picture and most importantly, how the aspect of Trust, cool and next generation came together to form an amazing partnership for the all new TATA MOTORS ZICA automobile.
After this, the team at TATA MOTORS gave all of us a very sweet surprise as they showed us the replica football locker room which had all 60 participants dedicated lockers with the number 10 jersey of Messi and with few other cool memorabilia of TATA MOTORS kept with each of our names in it. And they said, ‘each of this locker and its belongings are yours, after all, it has your names on it’ and we truly loved it.
To be honest, it was not about the swag, or the tee or the other memorabilia, but the way in which it was presented, the experience, as I would like to share, was truly memorable.
Just then, the walls of the room in front of us opened with lights flashing all around us followed by a majestic music and lo behold, we saw the ZICA right in front of us.
In just a matter of seconds, each one of us rushed towards the car and she looked simply gorgeous.
We had booths nearby that explained each and every feature (interior and exterior) of the car and we could experience the car right then and there.
About the ZICA:
It has a cutting edge design, with state of the art technology and driving dynamics. The appealing exterior has a truly vibrant silhouette emphasizing the compact look that comes with the car’s sharp design features and detailed elements.
The new three-dimensional logo stands distinct along with its hexagonal grille. The all new ZICA has sharp tail lamps and the stunning designed spoiler spats look trendy. It further enhances the sportiness of the car. That coupled with the dual tone interiors with customizable air vents, premium graphics on the fabric and body hugging seat bolsters gives us a warm and inviting feel.
Lot of efforts have gone into the interiors and the heart of the interior rests on its dashboard with the state of the art HARMAN system. The central console sports rotary knobs which provide a contemporary design and for sure a much better tactile feel.
The interiors details will astound you. It has 22 utility spaces, versatile luggage space of 240 litres and functions and features to charge your tablet, phone and so much more. It is available in petrol and diesel variants – REVOTRON engine: 1.2L Petrol and Revotorq 1.05L Diesel developed in-house by TATA MOTORS.
The Revotorq 1.05L is the first new diesel engine from this series and delivers an optimum power of 70PS with 140 Nm @1800-3000 rpm.
The night ended with a wonderful party, singing and loads of fun. Of Course, Cyrus added a lot of zest to the event and the DJ and LIVE Singer was simply fabulous. We then headed back to our hotel rooms.
I woke up as always at around 4:00 am and since I was in Goa, I left for an early morning walk to the beach. I returned by 5:30 am and geared up for the awesome day ahead to drive this magnificent looking automobile.
ZICA, in fact an entire fleet of Zica’s rolled in early morning and we were all set to drive. Tofu who was part of TATA MOTORS team, took us through the vehicles features, functions, tech specs etc and bid us adieu. I started the engine and it purred like a cool cat ready to explore this gorgeous city.
As we drove past the crowded and narrow spaces, I was constantly short-shifting the vehicle due to the sudden passage of vehicles from all around. I could still feel the car to be in complete control, thanks to the amazing steering wheel. It was a cool driving experience right from the start.
I immediately hit the ‘ECO’ mode in the car and within the next 3 kms we saw the dashboard showcasing numbers that reflected exceptional fuel efficiency. Thanks to the state of the art Revotorq engine that comes loaded with technologies like dual overhead camshafts, optimized valve lift etc which deliver superior fuel efficiency.
Soon we hit the open roads, the wide highways and it was a blast straight ahead. And I shifted into the ‘CITY’ mode of ZICA.
The Zica has two modes, the city mode is when you want to push the vehicle to great speeds and zip across and the Eco mode is when you need to opt for optimum fuel efficiency.
We really wanted to push the vehicle as much as we could (while ensuring safety and keeping track of the speedometers in front of us) but we wanted to make sure that not only were the roads exceptionally wide and stretched far, but also that we were completely off the grid so that there were no other vehicles anywhere even remotely nearby. We kept driving for almost 40 kms and finally drove for another two to three kilometers and ensured that there was not a single soul around. The road ahead was looking breathtakingly gorgeous and we were so far off the grid into the interiors that our phones network went completely dead.
We then drove the car pleasantly pushing it to the limits but ensured to keep safety precautions as our top priority at all times. We had an amazing time and the vehicle zipped across the street but we could still feel in complete control of this amazing automobile throughout. There were no vibrations and thanks to the ZICA which is equipped with a balancer shaft that specially helps to reduce engine vibrations, we had a really smooth drive.
We then stopped and took some fun photographs of the three of us, some selfies and even solo portfolio shots. I got loads of help from Zainab here as she patiently explained to me on few poses that I could opt for so that I do not look the same through the various clicks. Thanks a ton Zainab!
We then headed back towards the crowd and after driving for about 4 kms we saw a family in distress. There were two little kids waving vigorously towards us for help. We immediately halted and waited as the kids rushed towards our car and said that they were completely lost and had no idea how to get out of this place.
Luckily, Nilkant was from Goa and he knew the place extremely well. He guided them, they thanked us and we headed back towards our group. Slowly we got the network back on our phones and the navigation system guided us towards the group too. This is an in-built turn by turn navigation system which is connected via an app in the car.
We all took turns driving the car and it was amazing. Even in that scorching heat, we were cool as a pack of Boss Penguins out on a mission. (I just saw Madagascar with my three year old niece today) Well, we definitely looked much cooler than the penguins though because get this, Zica has an air conditioning system to specially meet the diverse climatic conditions in India and it comes with a chilled glove box too.
That’s right, we opened the glove box and found two bottles of chilled water and a bottle of Usain Bolt’s very own Gatorade. It was refreshing.
We took turns listening to different songs and changing the tracks as well, thanks to the HARMON entertainment system and the 8 speaker audio mega sound system in the car. It supports FM / AM, Bluetooth, iPod etc across its audio connectivity.
We ensured at all times that all of us were wearing seat belts and none of us, who was at that point driving, handled mobile phones etc.
To add to the safety feature, the Zica has dual front airbags, rear parking sensors with display on infotainment screen for better safety.
We drove the Diesel that is powered by the Revotorq 3 cylinder with multi-drive. It has a 1047 cc and is a hatchback with a 5 door with 14 inch wheels and a fuel tank capacity of 35 litres. It has a power of 70PS @4000 rpm.
Some of the coolest features are the in-gear shift indicator, the driver seat-belt reminder, the music system, chilled glove box and the dual driving modes in the Zica.
Finally we headed back to the Hotel and shared our feedback with the TATA MOTORS team. Here I met the ever entertaining Cyrus with whom I even had a video interview about the splendid automobile.
The entire event was an amazingly exciting and wonderful experience.
Finally, I along with 59 others headed back home to Mumbai that night.
THANKS to TATA MOTORS for arranging and sending the SPECIAL INVITE and making all of us feel, truly Zippy throughout the event.
And as always, a very special thanks to Anoop, Vineet and every indicrew member for their warmth, the wonderful arrangements, you guys are simply awesome and of course the team at Whizcraft too for the same.
I loved driving the Tata Motors ZICA, though if I were to sum up the driving experience in one word, I would rather call it “Z-Cool”.
Have you seen the new ZICA or driven it. Do share your experience with me here. Would love to hear from you.
Be Well
Let’s connect – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram – LinkedIn – Amazon Social media Book–Workshop Digital marketing
Related links:
- http://www.tatamotors.com
- https://www.facebook.com/ZicafromTataMotors
- https://twitter.com/ZicaTataMotors
- https://www.indiblogger.in
- https://www.facebook.com/indiblogger
- https://twitter.com/BosePratap
- https://twitter.com/DelnaAvari
- http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com
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Some truly fun real-time tweets during the Test drive –
Driving, Zapping and zooming in the zesty Zica and staying Cool at all times @ZicaTataMotors #madeofgreat @madeofgreat @indiblogger #Goa
The TRIO CLICK: The brave men who trusted me behind the wheels of the new TRUST after all that’s what TATA is all about!
Since we are having network issues…we are enjoying our drive 😉 @ZicaTataMotors @indiblogger
@AnanthV9 Many thanks Ananth! @ZicaTataMotors
https://twitter.com/BosePratap
Wonderful being a part of #Fantastico #madeofgreat @cyrus_sahu @ZicaTataMotors @TataMotors @AlilaDiwaGoa #Goa
Had super awesome time exploring gorgeous #Goa W @zainabattari @radicals9 @ZicaTataMotors #fantastico #madeofgreat
Smooth captain driving the @ZicaTataMotors on the highway! 😉 😀 @madeofgreat #madeofgreat
Helping lost tourists because we are #madeofgreat @madeofgreat @ZicaTataMotors @indiblogger @Redicals9 @AnanthV9
And the beautiful Zica has arrived.Ready for the Drive at the breathtaking scenic #Goa #Fantastico #madeofgreat
Whos up for a walk in the beach #Goa @AlilaDiwa @indiblogger #madeofgreat @ZicaTataMotors @TataMotors #Fantastico
A refreshing walk: #beach #Goa #Fantastico All geared up for @ZicaTataMotors @indiblogger #madeofgreat @TataMotors
Truly #fantastico with @TataMotors @ZicaTataMotors at @AlilaDiwaGoa #madeofgreat
Zica is #fantastico @ZicaTataMotors @TataMotors In #Goa @aliladiwa @indiblogger #madeofgreat Set to Drive it!
This is just so super awesome @TataMotors @ZicaTataMotors #madeofgreat #fantastico #Goa
Its #beach time with @ZicaTataMotors @TataMotors @indiblogger @aliladiwa #fantastico #madeofgreat in #Goa
Cool!!! Really enjoyed reading the blog… The pictures too are awesome…
Anand, thanks for your comments.
Great. Looks like it was an Amazing experience. A big Thumbs up to Zica!!!
Yes it really was. Thank you for your comments.
Wow! Looks like you had a fantastico experience! The Zica looks like a feature packed car! Thanks for sharing!
Yes it truly was an amazing experience. Its an awesome car. Thanks for your comments.
Seems to be an excellent car and spectacular photographs
Regds : Venkat
Yes it is a splendid vehicle. Thanks for your comments.
Wow… The article is extremely well written… The car looks really very promising… Great going. All the best
Thank you very much. Yes, it was an awesome vehicle. Thanks for your comments.
Fantastic post Ananth bhai. You have touched almost all the aspects of the event and done that in a wonderful way.
And man, you have got some lovely photos!!
Cheers,
Rajiv
Thank you very much for your wonderful comments Rajiv and for the kind words. Glad you liked the pics. Have a resourceful week ahead. Regards, Ananth.
Welcome sire 🙂
Superb article and amazing pics 🙂
Thanks Preeti for your comment and glad you likes the pics too. Have a nice day. Regards, Ananth
Wonderful post about the Zica drive and the feature studded car…
also it was great to meet you in person….
Thank you very much for your comments and kind words. It was extremely wonderful to meet you in person too. Looking forward to connecting soon. Regards, Ananth.
Such a detailed post in such less time. WOW! I yet have to start mine haha…
It was great meeting you and driving along and getting driven as well. You are a very safe and smooth driver, good control. Thank you for picking me firstly in your team and then even letting me drive! I would have regretted it later.
This entire experience was amazing. Hope we all get to have many such in the future….till then stay in touch 🙂
Hello Zainab, Thank you very much for your comments and kind words. It was a wonderful fun filled experience and you drive well too. You have a very interesting profile especially the ‘dream catchers’ & about ‘chimerical creativity’. Sounds very interesting. Yes for sure, do stay connected and will meet-up. Have an amazing week ahead. Be Well. Ananth
Beautiful narration of your wonderful experience of driving TATA MOTORS new launch ZICA. Your god given gift and skill for writing in such short time needs special appreciation .I felt as if you were driving the car and writing in parallel. You have detailed each & every part of the car and your experience very nicely
The TATA MOTOR’s new launch ZICA is super superb
Dear Sir,
Thank you very much for your extremely kind words, they mean a lot to me and also for taking time out to go through during your hectic travel and schedule. Thanks again, yes it is a very beautiful car and it was refreshing to drive it in Goa. Thanks again. Zica is awesome. Regards, Ananth
Wow what a post sir. Enjoyed reading it. It felt as though I was myself driving the car in that scenic location. The enginr & design details are impeccable.
Cant wait for the test drive myself.
Cool post with amazing pics & shots sir.
Thanks Prerna for the comment and wonderfully kind words.
Gosh, what a detailed post. And your pics show that you had a whale of a time. Actually we all did. This trip to Goa will go down in blogger history as Fantastico indeed!
Hello BlogwatiG, it was extremely fun meeting you too. Especially the time all of us spent at the airport during the return to Mumbai. Thanks for taking the time out to comment. Have a great day ahead. Regards Ananth.
Great review with super pics, Ananth!
Nice that you got to help lost people. With the cool features of Zica, we can’t get lost!
Happy to connect with you thanks to the Zica event.
Thanks Anita for taking your time out to share a comment on this post, means a lot. Yes, we had a blast and the Zica is truly an awesome car from Tata Motors loaded with fun and resourceful features. It was insightful exchanging notes with you about work and your inspiring profile wrt CSR. Kudos! Thanks and have a great day. Ananth.
nice post Ananth. Good to meet you again at Goa
Thanks Shrinidhi, always wonderful to meet you & connect. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for a zippy zappy review. Please share the Launch date for ZICA !
Hi, You can get all the details from their Official sites here:
http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com
https://twitter.com/ZicaTataMotors
https://www.facebook.com/ZicafromTataMotors
http://www.tatamotors.com
Hi cool review.
When is the car getting launched also how does the car handle speed? Nice videos too.
Hi Vikas, Thanks. Yes, the car handles splendid on high speed. The Engine is powerful and the performance of the car was excellent. You can get lot more details here too – Do have a look.
http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com
https://twitter.com/ZicaTataMotors
https://www.facebook.com/ZicafromTataMotors
http://www.tatamotors.com
Have a nice day ahead.
Is there any navigational GPS installed
Yes Capt. It has a navigational system which is an in-car connectivity and is smartphone enabled. It guides us with a Turn-By-Turn Navigation app. You can check out its complete features here http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/zica/features
Hows the drive in tight corners or traffic. Hows fuel efficiency
Manisha
Hi Manisha
The car drove very well. Event at tight corners one feels in excellent control. The Zica has two modes, the city mode is when you want to push the vehicle to great speeds and zip across and the Eco mode is when you need to opt for optimum fuel efficiency. You can get more information abou the car features here http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/zica/features