Expected to be launched later this year.
Caught testing again, this time by Indian Car Bikes, the Tata Kite hatchback hasn't lost its camouflage yet and continues testing without revealing its final look.
Based on an updated/re-engineered Tata Indica platform, the Kite is expected to feature better fit and finish, road manners, and overall styling. The ageing Indica needs to be replaced and that's where the Kite comes in. The overall shape looks familiar, but it's expected to have larger Bolt-like headlamps, a honeycomb grille, wraparound tail lamps (production version of which was caught on the Kite recently), etc.
On the inside, under the covers is the new dashboard. Tata's age old plus point of spacious and comfortable interior is likely to be a part of the Kite, too.
A previous report suggested that the Kite hatchback will derive its design inspiration from the Mega Pixel concept, while other details like a white backlit instrument panel, a large multi information display, and 14-inch wheels also surfaced.
On the powertrain front, the car is expected to be offered with a range of newly developed engines. One of them could be a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (or a turbocharged engine), while the other, a 1.05-litre three cylinder diesel that makes power in the vicinity of 64 hp and torque around 142 Nm is expected. A 5-speed manual will be standard, but given the market preference to AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), expect one in the Kite as well.
Also read: Refreshed Tata Nano Active spied
The platform will also be used for the Indigo eCS replacement, or as it's currently called, the Kite sedan. Keep in mind that Kite is a codename and will be changed, like how 'Falcon' was a codename for the Bolt and Zest. Both Kite hatchback and sedan will be manufactured at Tata Motors' plant in Sanand, Gujarat beginning later this year.
Competitors: Chevrolet Beat, Ford Figo, Honda Brio, Maruti Wagon R
Expected price: INR 3.5-4.5 lakh, ex-showroom
Launch date: H2 2015
[Source - Indian Cars Bikes]
