The new Tata Kite will come feature loaded to compete against several established rivals in the segment with power coming from two newly developed engines.
After a five-year hiatus, Tata Motors’ comeback has surely been an applauding one with the Zest and Bolt models and the company’s HORIZONEXT strategy only promises a lot more exciting products in the future. Ahead of the official launch expected around July this year, the automaker has been testing its next major offering the new Kite (codename) hatchback in full swing and the model was recently spotted during its runs in Maharashtra. While the mule we spotted was the bare bones version, the company has also been testing the production spec prototypes with all the bells and whistles.
The 2015 Tata Kite is based on a heavily re-engineered Indica platform and will also be replacing the former in the company’s lineup. The production spec Kite will be getting a wide front honeycomb mesh grille with a large headlight cluster and references from the Pixel concept for the styling of the hatchback. At the rear, the Christmas tree stacked tail lights have been done away with in favour of new and classy horizontally stacked tail light clusters. The top variants will also get an integrated rear spoiler with centre stop light and round pattern de-foggers as part of the standard package.
On the inside too, several parts including the steering wheel and air-con vents will be carried over from the Bolt and Zest to keep costs in check. While the interiors aren’t as premium as the Zest, the layout is quite similar and considering it already looks good on the former, we welcome it on the Kite as well. In terms of power, a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and 1.05-litre diesel engine will be under the hood. Both the motors will come paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox, whereas the AMT unit is a high possibility in the future if not immediately.
With a roomy interior and loaded features on offer, the new Tata Kite can surely take on the Maruti Celerio, Honda Brio, Hyundai i10 and also the new generation Ford Figo which possesses similar attributes and is also more fun to drive. Prices for the Tata Kite are expected to start around Rs. 3.5 lakhs (ex-showroom) in the country.
