Tata Kite to come with a white backlit instrument panel - Video

To be launched in the second half of 2015.

Tata Motors is currently testing the Indica-successor, codenamed Kite. Among the numerous appearances it has made, the most recent one gives away the fact that this hatchback will get a white backlit instrument cluster, along with a large multi-information display (MID). A video recently published by Overdrive shows that, among other things like the exact tyre size being used for the car, and recesses made for production units of headlamps and taillamps.

[Cant's see the video above? Head to YouTube]

The Kite, expected to enter production in the second half of the year, is based on a re-engineered version of the Indica platform. Both on the outside and the inside, it will be a huge improvement over the Indica.

The range of engines available for the Kite will be a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.05-litre diesel. Both engines are expected to be three cylinder units, and are said to be newly developed. The latter reportedly makes around 64 hp and 142 Nm of maximum torque. As for the tyre size, the vehicle (test mule) currently runs on 14-inch wheels shod with 175/65 R14 Bridgestone rubber.

Also read: Refreshed Tata Nano Active Twist spotted

The hatchback will be manufactured at Tata Motors' facility at Sanand, Gujarat. It will be joined by a compact sedan version, which will replace the Indigo eCS compact sedan. Both vehicles are expected to share the production line.

Competitors: Ford Figo, Honda Brio, Chevrolet Beat
Expected price: INR 3.5-4.5 lakh, ex-showroom
Launch date: H2 2015 (India)