Tata Kite hatchback's interior partly revealed - Spied

09/02/2015 - 09:17 Tata Kite, Tata Motors, Spy pictures Aravind Jayachandran

Spyshot reveals new steering wheel and gearlever borrowed from Tata Zest/Bolt.

Tata Motors will be launching the Indica-replacement which is codenamed 'Kite' by mid-2015, and here is a revealing image of the interior of the upcoming hatchback, courtesy of Motoroctane.

2015 Tata Kite Interior spied — The spyshot reveals a new center console and rectangular air-con vents, although the air-con system doesn't feature automatic climate control.

Though the dashboard is wrapped in camouflage, the image reveals a few features that haven't been spotted previously. Firstly, the car comes with a multifunctional steering wheel, gearlever, and power window switches borrowed from the Tata Zest/Bolt, in a bid to increase part sharing among the family to lower costs. Higher variants will be equipped with power-operated ORVMs, and a 6 speaker (2 tweeters, 4 speakers) music system, reportedly.

Also revealed are a new center console and rectangular air-con vents, although the air-con system doesn't feature automatic climate control. As spotted before, the instrument cluster houses a multifunctional display (MID) that provides the car's vital information, and is illuminated by a white backlight. However, the rumored 2-DIN touchscreen display (a first in the segment) is not featured in the spyshot.

Tata Kite front render IAB — IAB's rendering of the upcoming Tata Kite hatchback.

The design of the exterior will reportedly draw inspiration from the Tata Megapixel Concept. As noticed in previous spyshots, the Tata Kite will feature a hexagonal grille that is flanked by newly-designed headlamps, and a new front bumper. At the rear are a new set of taillights that replace the Indica’s Christmas-tree style units, a redesigned bootlid, and a rear spoiler for top-spec variants.

Tata Kite taillights spied IAB — At the rear are a new set of taillights that replace the Indica’s Christmas-tree style units, redesigned bootlid, and a rear spoiler.

Also Read: Tata Nexon mini SUV to sport styling cues from Range Rover Evoque

Power for the Kite will be sourced from a 1.2-liter petrol and a 1.05-liter three-cylinder diesel engine. The latter is expected to make 64 bhp and 142 Nm of torque, and a 5-speed manual transmission will be fitted standard.

The Tata Kite hatchback is expected to launch in the middle of 2015, and will slot under the Tata Bolt and will be followed by a compact sedan that will replace the Indigo eCS. It will enter production at Tata's manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat

Competitors: Maruti Celerio, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10
Expected price: INR 3.5-5.5 lakh, ex-showroom
Launch date: By mid-2015 (according to reports)