Tata Kite hatchback spotted on test again

The Tata Kite hatchback might be launched in the second half of this year or in early 2016. The test mule of the upcoming new hatchback was spied testing again in a disguised avatar.

The test mule spied earlier was in the initial stages of testing and wasn't in a good form in comparison to this latest vehicle that was spotted in Pune again. An updated XO platform of the Indica will underpin the Kite hatchback which gets a tall-boy design like the other siblings, but looks different from the Indica. The new hatchback is expected to sport a new grille, restyled headlamps and tail lamps. The interior is expected to get a different layout for the cabin and feature the latest technology from Tata’s Horizonext strategy.

The Kite hatchback is expected to borrow the powertrain from its current siblings; however, there are speculations that the manufacturer might add a new three-cylinder petrol and diesel mill option for this new car. Transmission options will include the five-speed gearbox with the availability of an AMT for the diesel.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Datsun GO and the Chevrolet Spark will face good competition from the Kite hatchback when it goes on sale. It will take up nearly all of the 2,50,000 units capacity installed at Tata's manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat along with the upcoming Kite compact sedan. The Indica might then be replaced with the introduction of the Kite hatchback in the small car segment in India.

Image courtesy: Gaadiwaadi