Tata Bolt, Zest, Safari Storme to be launched in 2015 - South Africa

13/02/2015 - 18:03 Tata Indica, Tata Safari Storme, Tata Bolt, Tata Zest, Tata Motors Paranjay Dutt

Indica to get safety upgrades.

A BDLive report that lists new car launches in South Africa in 2015 reveals that Tata Motors has the Bolt and the Zest in the pipeline, as predicted last year, and joining them will be the Safari Storme.

Tata Bolt 1.2T tracking front quarter Review — The Tata Bolt is based on a re-engineered version of the Vista platform.

The report also adds that the existing Indica will be updated with new safety features to meet new standards. Tata Motors' line up in South Africa currently includes Indica, Vista, Manza, Xenon, 207Di, and Super Ace, all of which are CBU.

In India, both Bolt and Zest, based on the modified X1 platform, and are offered in both petrol (1.2-litre turbocharged 'Revotron') and diesel (1.3-litre Fiat-sourced Multijet) engine options. While a 5-speed manual gearbox is standard, the Zest is also offered with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

Tata Zest Diesel F-Tronic AMT Review — The Tata Zest is the only car in the company's line up that benefits from an automated manual transmission.

Currently the South African spec Vista and Manza come only in petrol, and given the nation's preference for the cleaner fuel, the 1.3-liter diesel option has a slim chance of making it to the SA-spec Bolt and Zest.

The Safari Storme uses a 2.2-litre Dicor engine that makes 138 hp, and is available with a manual transmission, and in both 4x2 and 4x4 variants, in India. As per an earlier report, it is due for a refresh this year.

Tata Safari Storme front three quarters left — The Safari Storme will be positioned above the Xenon in SA.

Also read: Tata Kite spotted testing in Pune with production body

Competition for Tata's compact cars in the South African market is familiar, as arch rivals Suzuki Swift Dzire and the Honda Brio sedan, are also exported from India.

Last week, Nepal became the Zest's first export market, where the Bolt will also be launched this year.

When contacted, Tata Motors said it has not confirmed the launches for South Africa.