Kite and Kite sedan are the next big ticket launches for Tata.
An almost production-ready prototype of the Tata Kite (codename) hatchback was snapped on test by Motorbeam reader, Mr. Durga Prasad, in Maharahstra. The test mule seen here provides the final look of the 'bug-shaped' headlight clusters that will adorn the front fascia of Tata's i10 rival.
Based on the Indica's platform, the Kite and a sub-4 meter sedan based on it, are expected to launch towards the second half of this calendar year. Reports suggest that Tata would be ready to introduce the hatchback first towards the June-July period.
Under the hood of the Kite hatchback will be a 1.2-liter petrol engine or a 1.05 liter three-cylinder diesel engine. These engines will be paired to manual and automated manual transmissions (AMT), though reports are suggestive of an e-clutch system as well.
While Tata Motors have made no announcement, media reports claim that the hatchback could be named 'Glade'.
Also read: Bookings for Tata GenX Nano with AMT start at INR 5,000
Production of both, the Kite and the Kite-based compact sedan, will take place at the Sanand plant, which at the moment stands underutilized owing to poor demand for the Nano.
Rivals: Maruti Celerio, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10
Expected price: INR 3.5-5.5 lakh, ex-showroom
[Spyshots from MotorBeam]
