Tata cars & SUVs at the 2016 Auto Expo

Tata Motors has a big Auto Expo, as always. The Indian automaker, which is seeking to remake itself, showed no less than four upcoming cars and SUVs. Here’s a quick walk through.

Hexa

The Hexa is the Aria’s replacement. Featuring a similar silhouette as that of the Aria but completely different styling, the new luxury crossover adds performance, features and top quality interiors. It’s powered by a 2.2 liter Varicor turbo diesel engine with 153 Bhp-400 Nm, and gets 6 speed manual and automatic transmission options. The Hexa could be Tata’s answer to the Mahindra XUV500. An official launch will happen in a few weeks from now.

Kite 5

The Kite 5 is a compact sedan based on the Zica hatchback. The car will share most parts with the Zica, and the production facility at Sanand too. Petrol and turbo diesel engines will be offered on this car, which will replace the Indigo eCS as India’s least priced compact sedan. Nearly launch eady, the Kite 5 is expected to hit Indian roads in a few months from now.

Bolt Sport

The sporty version of the Bolt gets more power and torque from the 1.2 liter REVOTRON turbo petrol engine. The car makes 108 Bhp and 170 Nm, and its suspension is said to be stiffer, for sharper handling. At a slight price premium of 30-35 thousand rupees to the Bolt Petrol XT, the Bolt Sport will be tremendous value for money. If you want performance at an affordable price, this car may well be what you need.

Nexon

The Nexon looks ravishing, and it’s the first such sub-4 meter compact crossover from Tata Motors. The big story around this vehicle isn’t it’s design alone. It’ll get a brand new 1.5 liter-4 cylinder turbo diesel engine that Tata has put together. This motor makes 108 Bhp-260 Nm, outputs that will put the Nexon at the very top of its class, which includes the Ford Ecosport and the Maruti Vitara Brezza. The new Tata crossover will be launched by the end of 2016.

Zica

The Zika virus that’s ravaging South America has slowed down the Zica, as Tata Motors is busy finding a new name for this budget hatchback, which is the Indica’s replacement. The car will soon be launched in India, and will be Tata’s first big launch for 2016. Petrol and turbo diesel engines will power the Zica, which will roll out from the Sanand factory, alongside its compact sedan sibling called the Kite 5.

Customized Zica Cross and Zest

Tata also showcased a customized versions of the Zica and the Zest. These accessorized cars are meant to give prospective buyers a glimpse at the customizations possible with these cars.