Tata Kite hatchback – India launch by June 2015?

One of the most important cars for Tata Motors in 2015 will be the Kite hatchback, one that will replace the almost-antique Indica, as the Indian car maker’s new budget offering slotting above the Nano in terms of price and positioning. A new web report suggests that the Kite’s arrival into India could happen as early as June 2015, much ahead of the year-end launch schedule as was initially anticipated.

 

The base variant of the car is likely to carry a price tag close to the 3 lakh rupee mark. CarToq has re-imagined the front and rear ends of the upcoming Tata car, through never seen before renders that will take you one step closer to the final, production version of the hatchback. As the renders depict, the Kite will follow a more aggressive design philosophy from Tata Motors. The traditional smiley face with soft lines will make way for a sharper design up front.

Tata Kite Compact Sedan – Spy Video

The Kite will be sold in hatchback and compact sedan (Indigo eCS replacement) body styles, although the five door hatchback is the one that will debut first. The car is expected to pack in both petrol and turbo diesel power, with a 1.2 liter-4 cylinder petrol and the 1.05 liter-3 cylinder turbo diesel motors expected to make the cut into the engine bay. Five speed manual transmissions will be standard fare. An automated manual transmission, although unconfirmed for now, could be served up as an option.

 

A front wheel drive layout will be standard. In terms of interiors, rectangular AC vents, a center console design similar to that on the Zest, and generous equipment levels are likely to be the highlights of the Kite twins. The new crop of entry level cars are important products for Tata Motors, not just to win back market share, but also to better utilize the underutilized Sanand factory that currently manufactures only the Nano hatchback.

Tata Kite Hatchback – Spyshots

With big volume offerings such as the Kite hatchback and compact sedan primed for production at Sanand, the factory could be able to justify its set up costs and begin turning out a profit for Tata Motors. The production of the Kite twins at Sanand will also provide respite to suppliers, who moved to the location along with Tata, for the Nano. Most of the suppliers originally enlisted for the Nano will also produce parts for the Kite twins.

More details of the Tata Kite hatchback and compact sedan

Via IndianCarsBikes