Along with the updated Bolt sport and the unveiling of Kite 5, also making debut is the Hexa crossover and the soon-to-be-launched Zica hatchback.
03 Feb 2016 | 3967 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Prior to the launch of the Zica, which is set to be renamed, Tata Motors has already revealed its next affordable car, codenamed Kite 5, which is a sub-four-metre sedan based on the Zica.
The Kite 5 shares its mechanicals and styling with the hatchback, with the additional ...
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Prior to the launch of the Zica, which is set to be renamed, Tata Motors has already revealed its next affordable car, codenamed Kite 5, which is a sub-four-metre sedan based on the Zica.
The Kite 5 shares its mechanicals and styling with the hatchback, with the additional boot being the only differentiator. It also derives power from the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine and the 1.05-litre, three-cylinder diesel mills offered on the hatchback. Both engines come mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and will be later available with an AMT gearbox.
Equipment levels are also on par with the hatchback, meaning the it gets ABS, dual front airbags, corner stability control, alloy wheels, fog lamps, a Harman-sourced audio system with USB, aux and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the USP of the Kite 5 will be its 420-litre boot, which is the largest in its class.
Tata will slot the Kite 5 below its Zest and is likely to remain unrivalled at the time of launch. However, Chevrolet’s recently unveiled Beat-based compact sedan concept will compete with the Kite 5, when it launches later in 2017.
Bolt sport hatchback showcased
Tata Motors also showcased its indigenous hot hatchback, the Bolt Sport following the model’s international debut at the Geneva motor show last year. As the name suggests, the Bolt Sport is a performance-oriented version of the Tata hatchback currently on sale; the Sport has mechanical updates and a more aggressive body kit.
Mechanical upgrades to the car include a modified 1.2-litre Revotron turbo-petrol motor from the standard Bolt, a revised suspension with retuned springs and dampers making the car sit lower, a performance calibrated electric power steering and a high-flow exhaust system.
In terms of styling, the car gets a more aggressive body kit and larger 17-inch alloy wheels on the exterior. Inside, the car gets black leather upholstery with red contrast stitching and body coloured trim inserts.
The modified 1.2-litre Revotron turbo-petrol motor gets a revised ECU and now develops 108.5bhp and 17.33kgm of torque in place of the standard model’s 88.7bhp and 14.2kgm of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Tata claims that the car is capable of sprinting from 0-100kph within 12 seconds.
Also making its debut at the 2016 Auto Expo at the Tata pavilion is the new Nexon compact SUV, the Hexa crossover, the soon-to-be launched Zica hatchback and its compact sedan sibling.