Tata Kite hatchback spotted on test - Spied

Expected to launch by December 2015.

The hatchback version of the Tata Kite has been spotted testing by reader Shahzad Shafi. Set for launch possibly within the year, the Kite hatchback would be the first all-new brand from Tata Motors this fiscal. It will be slotted between the Tata Nano and the Tata Bolt, replacing the Tata Indica.

However, the commercial market will still be able to purchase the Indica, while the Kite would serve customers in the personal car segment, it was reported.

The Tata Kite hatchback, which will be launched with a different name, would be equipped with a little more than the basic features expected in a car of its segment. For starters, though the car would not sport projector headlamps and LED taillights, the outside rear view mirrors will have integrated turn indicators.

Likewise, the cabin of the Tata Kite will feature Tata Motors' signature triple-arm steering wheel and Harman music system (possibly with a touchscreen equipped head unit for top-end variant).

Under the hood, the Tata Kite hatchback and Tata Kite sedan are believed to be powered by a new 3-cylinder 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine, and the 3-cylinder 1.05-litre DICOR diesel engine that was unveiled at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. While both the versions will get a 5-speed manual transmission, there is also the possibility of a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) in at least one of them.

Priced from around Rs. 3.5 lakhs, the Tata Kite hatchback will rival popular nameplates like the Maruti Celerio, the Hyundai i10 and the Maruti Wagon R.

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