Tata Kite hatchback design sketch - IAB Rendering

03/02/2015 - 08:51 | ,  ,   | Paranjay Dutt

To replace the Indica; will be manufactured in Sanand, Gujarat.

The Tata Kite (internal codename), the next product by Tata Motors which will replace the ageing Indica, has been sketched by IAB's Shoeb R Kalania, based on spyshots that have surfaced in recent months.

Tata Kite sketch
The engine options for the Kite hatchback will include a 1.05-litre diesel engine and a 1-litre petrol unit.

At the front, the cars wears the 'smiling grille' as found on other Tatas, but gets a bold bumper, bonnet, and larger headlamps. The side profile features a prominent shoulder line, and at the rear, it has a more conventional set of taillamps, and a chrome-strip running across the boot.

Reports say that the car will be driven by newly developed engines: a 1.05-litre diesel that makes around 64 hp and 142 Nm of torque; and a 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit, and maybe a 1.2-liter petrol unit. A 5-speed gearbox will be standard while given the increased demand for an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), Tata Motors can fit one on the Kite, too.

2013 Nissan Micra facelift taillights
The online media has made a few remarks on the Kite's uncanny resemblance to the new Ford Figo (Ford Ka) and the Nissan Micra.

Also read: Tata Zest to launch in Nepal this month

The car was spotted running 14-inch wheels, had rectangular AC vents, and white backlit instrument panel with a large Multi-information display.

The B Segment car will be manufactured in Sanand, Gujarat, where it will be joined by the Kite sedan, the successor to the Indigo eCS. A report says that the Kite hatchback launches around mid-2015.

Competitors: Ford Figo, Hyundai i10, Maruti Celerio
Expected price: INR 3.5-5.5 lakh, ex-showroom
Launch date: By mid-2015 (according to reports)

You might also like