The new set of patent images show several components of the upcoming Kite hatchback in Tata’s lineup that will rival the Maruti Celerio and Hyundai Grand i10.
Patents of Tata Motors’ upcoming Kite (codename) have sprung up showcasing some vital parts of the new offering that will go on sale by the end of this year. The Indian auto giant recently patented several components including the fog lights, speaker spacer bracket and wheel cover of its upcoming small car, hinting towards the launch indeed coming closer. Tata has been extensively testing the new small car across the country and it needs to be noted that ace F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan (also part of the Zest/Bolt development team) has been testing some of the prototypes himself.
The Tata Kite will be first introduced in a hatchback guise while there is also a compact sedan version of the car being developed. Power will come from petrol and diesel engine options that are likely to be three-cylinder units and will come paired to a manual transmission option. There have also been reports of Tata introducing an e-clutch automatic transmission that is said to be cheaper than the current AMT unit and will be only marginally more expensive than the manual version. Tata really needs to get the Kite and its sedan derivative right, since the Zest and Bolt haven’t really been scorching the sales chart.
The new Kite is an extremely important product for Tata Motors as previous reports have stated that the new model is being seen as a potential replacement to the ageing Indica. There have also been reports of the Indica being restricted to the taxi markets alone once the Kite arrives. As seen in previous spy shots, the Kite will come loaded with features including projector lamps, alloy wheels, audio system and much more. Previous patent images have showcased a bold grille and angular fog lamps hinting towards a bold and stylish front fascia.
