Update - New spyshots added, courtesy of Rushlane.
New spyshots reveal a rounded-patterned defogger.
The upcoming Tata Kite hatchback has been spotted testing in Pune, much before its expected reveal later this year. The Indica-replacement will be slotted below the recently launched Tata Bolt, as per Tata’s Horizonext strategy, and will spawn a compact sedan derivative to replace the Indigo eCS.
Latest spyshots reveal a round-patterned defogger for the rear windshield, which is now wider thanks to the new set of taillights that replace the Indica's Christmas-tree style units. Other exterior changes could include wraparound headlights that merge into the honeycomb grille, new front and rear bumpers, redesigned bootlid, and a rear spoiler for top-spec variants.
Design will reportedly draw inspiration from the Tata Megapixel concept for a fresh yet familiar appeal. It will sit on a modified version of the Indica's platform, with mechanical upgrades and a retuned suspension setup.
The Kite's cabin is expected to be a step up from the aged Indica, with better materials and build quality. It will sport a white-backlit instrument panel with an MID (multi information display), while top-of-the-line variant could feature a dual-din touchscreen unit, a first in the segment.
Under the hood, Tata will offer a new range of engines for the Kite hatchback and sedan, which includes a 1.2-liter petrol unit and a 1.05-liter three-cylinder diesel unit making about 64 hp and 142 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission will be fitted as standard, while the growing demand for automatic gearboxes in compact hatchbacks could convince Tata to offer an AMT (automated manual transmission).
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Reports suggest that the Tata Kite hatchback will break cover in June 2015, with production assigned to the Sanand manufacturing facility in Gujarat, which rolls out the Nano.
Competitors: Chevrolet Beat, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10, Honda Brio, Maruti Celerio
Expected price: INR 3.5-4.5 lakh, ex-showroom
Launch date: Before July 2015 (according to reports)
2015 Tata Kite Hatchback - Spyshot Gallery
[Source - Rushlane.com]
