Tata Motors is preparing to replace the Vista and Manza with new offerings from Project Falcon. The Project Falcon will see a new hatchback and sub-4 metre sedan based on the existing X1 platform that underpins the Vista and Manza. However, Tata Motors claim that the new models are all-new and they have no resemblance to any existing Tata product. We can expect a new sharper design language for the upcoming hatchback and sedan. They will drop the Vista and Manza nameplates for a fresh start with the new additions. Falcon is just the project name of the new cars and the market name is yet to be revealed.
Falcon 4 is the codename of the hatchback, which has been designed at the Tata Motors’ European design studio. The hatchback intends to replace the Vista, when it hits the showroom later in 2014. The new hatchback will be offered in both petrol and diesel engine options. They will be powered by the same 1.3-litre Fiat MultiJet diesel mill derived from the Vista. There will be a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor based on the existing Xeta engine. Tata Motors is developing a new range of petrol engines and this 1.2-litre turbo petrol will be the entry level engine.
Eventually the carmaker will rollout larger capacity engines with direct fuel-injection. The compact sedan (Falcon 5) is a new sub-4 metre sedan that will replace the Manza when it goes on sale next year and will be positioned above the Indigo eCS. It will be powered by the same 1.3-litre Fiat MultiJet diesel engine but it will get a more powerful version of the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, producing more than 100 BHP of power. The sedan is expected to be launched before the hatchback in the last quarter of 2014. However, both the cars will be unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo in February.
Source – Autocar India