Tata Kite hatchback spotted in Pune - Spied

04/01/2015 - 15:33 | ,  ,   | Anjan Ravi

Production to start in the second half of this year.

The Tata Kite (codename) hatchback was spotted testing near Pune, Maharashtra, this time by a Motoroids reader. As previously reported, the Kite hatchback is expected to launch by the end of this year.

Spied Tata Kite side hatch
Underneath, the Kite is based on the Indica's platform.

For the Bolt and Zest, Tata took to the platform of the Vista. For the Kite and a compact sedan based on it, Tata will be using the Indica's platform. Despite its age, Tata believes the Indica's platform has potential, and with some re-engineering, can indeed be stretched for another 6 years at least (the average life cycle of a car).

However, from a design standpoint, the Kite and Kite-based sedan will look nothing like the Indica and eCS reportedly. The same applies for the interior, where the company will give these cars good design, quality materials and features, just like in the Bolt and Zest.

Spied Tata Kite rear hatch
A 1.2L petrol and a 1.05L diesel will power the Kite twins.

Power for the new Kite twins would come from a 1.2-liter petrol engine and a new 1.05-liter three-cylinder diesel engine. These engines will be paired to manual or automated manual transmissions (AMT).

Also read: Tata Motors launches for 2015 revealed

Tata Motors' Sanand facility in Gujarat, that is currently underutilized due to weak demand for the Nano, is reported to become the Kite's production base starting from the second half of this year. With fresh design, modern interiors and robust engines, the new Kite twins will be the next set of comeback products for Tata Motors.

Competitors: Chevrolet Beat, Honda Brio, Maruti Celerio, Hyundai i10, Ford Figo
Expected price: INR 3.5-4.5 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: H2 2015

[Spyshots from Motoroids]

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