Production Spec Tata Kite Hatchback Spotted

Tata is readying the next phase of products in its rejuvenation spree that started with the Zest and Bolt, we bring you the production-spec version of the Tata’s upcoming hatch - Kite!  

We have spied the Tata’s upcoming hatchback Kite testing around Lonavala. The company is also using Hyundai Grand i10 and Maruti Suzuki Celerio for the benchmarking purpose. There were both petrol and diesel versions on the test and guess what there were also engineers from Tata’s European technical center. 

The Kite is the internal codename Tata has given to the hatchback, just like the Zest and the Bolt had Falcon 4 and Falcon 5. The launch is expected later this year, maybe couple of months later. Furthermore, its twin compact sedan - Kite sedan is likely to enter early next year. Both the cars will replace the dying Indica and Indigo eCS (country’s first compact sedan). Although, Tata is expected to keep the Indica and Indigo eCS for the fleet customers. 

Speaking of the design, it will follow the Tata’s DesigNext design language that debuted with the Zest. This said, it will look like no other Tata till date in the hatchback space, unlike the Zest and Bolt which hints of the Tata Indica Vista. Though the test mules were heavily camouflaged, but this is most likely the production-spec guise as the launch is approaching. Things-to-notice - this is the top-end version of the hatch featuring alloys and rear wash wipe. The vehicle features wrap-around taillamps ditching the Christmas tree layout of the Indica.  

In terms of features, it will borrow things from the Zest and the Bolt, stuffs like the steering wheel along with other things. Moreover, expect the audio system to be Tata’s ConnectNext unit powered by Harman audio just like in Zest/Bolt and the 2015 Safari.  

Reportedly, the Kite hatchback will be powered by new three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The later will be a 1.05-liter 3-cylinder oil burner producing close to 65 bhp and 140+ Nm while the latter is a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder motor. Both diesel and petrol will be mated to a standard 5-Speed manual gearbox. And like Zest, top-end versions of the Kite will be equipped with an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). As mentioned above, Tata is using Grand i10 and Celerio for benchmarking, Kite diesel could dethrone Celerio as India’s most fuel efficient passenger vehicle.