Tata Motors begins testing new 'Kite'

Tata Motors has been pretty dormant the last few years when it comes to all new products but with the launch of their new sub-4-meter sedan, the Tata Zest and their new premium hatchback, the Tata Bolt, they seem to be gathering some steam. While the zest is an all-new body, the Bolt is essentially a reskinned version of the Vista. With all the attention garnered towards the premium hatch and sedan, the older Indica and Indigo CS have been ignored. Now though, Tata has started work on an all new Indica and Indigo CS, with the project internally being codenamed, ‘Kite’.

The Kite project will see the first major reskin for the Indica and Indigo CS platform in over a decade and will be aimed at the more entry level buyer who wants more for his money, both in terms of space and in terms of value. The Indica, today, is still one of the most value for money and practical hatchbacks you can buy, if you can live with the older engine family and the outdated interiors.

Tata will launch the new Kite possibly at the 2016 Auto Expo and will feature both the new 1.2-litre Revotron turbocharged petrol engine and the 1.3-litre Quadrajet turbocharged diesel engine. Expect both these engines to be slightly detuned to give exceedingly high fuel economy and aimed right at the first time car buyer.

The Kite will continue to have the Indica’s class leading interior space but with an updated cabin. With Tata going strong in recent times with both cabin design and equipment levels, expect the Kite platforms to bring a few ‘first in class’ features to the highly populated segment. The Kite duo will go up against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, the Hyundai i10 and even cheaper cars like the Datsun Go. Also, with the relaunch of the Indigo CS, Tata will be the only manufacturer that will have two different sub-4-meter sedans in their product portfolio catering to two different target audiences.

Picture Credits: CarToq