The Kite will be replacing the long in the tooth Indica and is expected to come with a new 1.2-litre petrol and 1.05-litre diesel engines under the hood.
Slowly but steadily, Tata Motors is finally on track to gain back its foothold in the passenger car segment after facing some turbulent times. Starting from this year, the company has promised to launch two new products every year till the end of this decade that will not only help build its product range, but also gain back a significant amount of market share. With this year’s launch being the Zest and the upcoming Bolt, Tata will be going back to the basics in 2015 with the all new Kite hatchback set for launch that will replace the ageing Indica and was caught testing near Pune by our reader Aditya Divekar.
The 2015 Tata Kite is based on a modified Indica platform sporting better quality and dynamics than the model it replaces. Keeping up with the newer times, Tata Motors has updated the Kite with a younger and compact design language as seen in the spy shot. What you will also notice is the familiar side profile that is same as the one seen on the Bolt hatch. On the inside though, earlier spy shots revealed that the new Kite will be rather kitted up with rectangular air-con vents and a smaller steering wheel. A music system with USB and AUX connectivity will also be on offer.
Keeping in mind that the model will compete in the entry-level B-segment space, expect to see single-tone dashboard and fabric upholstered seats. You will also miss out on certain safety features like ESP, while we do hope Tata provides dual front airbags on certain variants. In terms of power, the Kite hatch will come with a new 1.2-litre petrol motor, while a 1.05-litre, 3-cylinder diesel is also said to be on offer with the power output expected to be around 64 BHP with 142 Nm of torque. Power will be sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual, while an AMT unit is most likely to be offered as well.
As Tata Motors is busy with the launch of the new Bolt hatch, do not expect the Kite to hit the market anytime during the first quarter of the year. The company is making sure to focus on one product at a time to ensure that all the energies and synergies are concentrated to make that product a success. A launch can be expected anytime during the second half of next year though. Making the most out of its under used plant; the new Kite is expected to replicate the Indica’s popularity among the masses and will be produced at its Sanand facility.
