Tata Motors is developing a new entry level hatchback under the codename Kite which will be rivalling the likes of Maruti Celerio, Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Beat in B segment. Sources close to the development have revealed that Tata Motors will position Kite between its petite offering Nano and upcoming Bolt hatchback. If media reports are to be believed, Kite will be replacing the ageing and conventional looking Indica. However, Kite might also borrow components with Bolt hatchback.
Tata will offer Kite in both petrol and diesel variants, engine configuration would be the same as in upcoming Bolt. Besides this, Kite could also get the automated manual transmission that will be offered in Tata Nano and upcoming models from Tata-Zest and Bolt. While Zest is coming next month, Tata Nano AMT could be spawned in India by end of current year.
It is likely that Tata Motors might spin off new Kite hatchback in India by the end of next year. The latest offering from Tata Motors will be conceived on XO platform and is expected to be manufactured at the company’s Sanand facility located in Gujarat. Due to low demand of Nano, manufacturing capacity at Sanand facility is being wasted, however with Kite being produced at Sanand, the company will be able to make use of the production capacity at Sanand. Hopefully the new hatchback will help Tata Motors to improve sales and carve a niche in the popular entry level segment.
