EXCLUSIVE

Tata Motors have begun work on an all-new hatchback. This new car will sit below the upcoming Bolt hatchback. Codenamed XO or the Kite, this new offering from Tata is still some time away.

The Tata XO will be based on the Indica platform and will come with a new top-hat. It is expected to rival the likes of the Maruti Celerio and Wagon R.

This new hatchback will come with fresh styling, taking cues not only from the newer-generation Tata offerings such as the Zest and the Bolt, but also from the Tata Nexon Compact SUV concept showed at the Auto Expo.  For this hatchback, expect the styling to be cohesive as no styling cues from any previous models have been carried over, which was a constraint while styling the Zest and the Bolt - they both carry some styling bits from the Vista. According to our sources, the styling of the XO is much better than the Zest and Bolt twins.

The XO will also get new interiors. However, some interior bits such as the seats and steering wheel might be shared with other Tata offerings to keep costs in check. Like the original Indica, we expect the Kite to be big on interior room and with class-rivaling boot space.

Powering the Tata Kite will be Tata’s all-new 1.05-litre three- cylinder common-rail diesel motor that was showcased way back in Auto Expo 2012, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The new diesel motor is expected to churn out 64.1bhp and 14.27kgm of torque. Euro IV ready, expect this new engine to do duty on more Tata offerings in the future.

In addition to the diesel motor, the Kick will also get an all-new 1.2-litre petrol engine. Expect CNG and LPG variants in the future, as well as an AMT-equipped variant.

With the Tata Kite, the manufacturer will eventually replace the original Indica hatchback. What’s more, work on a new sub-four-metre notchback, expected to succeed the Tata Indigo eCS, has also started. With less constraints on design, new engines the new Tata Kite is expected to be another step in Tata’s new innings after the Bolt and the Zest.

Akbar Merchant