In order to regain its lost market share, Tata Motors is planning to launch a series of new cars in the country. Buoyed by the positive response for the Bolt and the Zest, the home-grown automaker is aiming to bring more products under its Horizonext umbrella. It is expected that the company will launch at least four new cars this year.
Tata Nano Twist AMT: After the Zest, Tata Motors is now planning to launch its popular small car, the Nano, with an automated manual transmission (AMT). Besides AMT, the model will also get an open-able tailgate. The front fascia will get black Tata's smiling grille, fog lamps and headlamps with black outlines. Inside, the hatch features an electric power assisted steering, new instrument cluster and better quality plastic.
Expected Launch- April/May
Price - Rs. 2.5 lakh
Tata Safari Storme facelift: Tata Motors will also launch the Safari Storme facelift with slightly tweaked front fascia. The SUV will get new honeycomb grille and newly styled bumper. Inside the cabin will be a new infotainment system and the front facing, third row seats. It is expected that the Safari Storme facelift will also get the more powerful version of the 2.2-litre VARICOR turbo-diesel engine that, currently, powers the Aria crossover. This engine churns out 148bhp of power and 320Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a five-speed gearbox which sends power to the rear wheels. The top-spec model will also get the shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system from Borg Warner.
Expected Launch- mid-2015
Tata Kite hatchback: Tata Motors will launch an all-new hatchback, which will be positioned between the Nano and the Bolt hatchback. Based on the modified Indica platform, the small car will rival against the likes of Maruti Celerio, Hyundai i10 and Maruti Wagon R. It will share its styling cues with Nexon, Bolt and Zest compact sedan. The hatchback will also get new interiors, which will be shared with other new Tata cars. Under the bonnet will be a new 1.05-litre 3-cylinder common-rail diesel engine that produces 64.01bhp. The petrol engine will be the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre engine. Both five-speed manual and automated manual transmission options will be on offer.
Expected Launch- mid-2015
Price- Rs. 3.5 lakh
Tata Kite compact sedan: Based on the modified Indica platform, the Kite compact sedan will get MegaPixel concept-inspired front fascia. Inside the cabin, the car will have an all new dashboard with rectangular AC vents, and white-backlit instrument cluster and a new multi-information display. The car could feature an e-clutch system, which is comparatively cheaper than the AMT. The oil burner will be a 1.05-litre 3-cylinder unit, whereas the petrol engine will be a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre motor.
Expected Launch- year end or early 2016
Price- Rs. 4 lakh
