Will Small ‘KITE’ be the Next Big Thing for Tata? Engines Revealed

While the Pune based company is yet to launch the Bolt hatchback, which is scheduled to launch later this year, they already seem to have made considerable headway into the development of their next product, the Kite hatchback.

The car which has been codenamed XO, is built on the modified Indica platform and will be placed below the Bolt. Borrowing the design philosophy from the recently launched Zest, upcoming Bolt and the concept Nexon which was showcased during the Auto Expo in February, the car promises to be a dapper.

As per a report published on Autocar India, Kite will be powered by an all-new 1.05L three pot diesel mill which may churn out 65PS of power and 140Nm of torque, putting in competition with Maruti Celerio (which is also getting a small diesel mill early next year). A diesel engine in this segment will surely heat things up. If you don’t remember this engine you will have to flashback your mind to the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo where the company had showcased this motor.

The petrol version, as per the report is going to be an all-new 1.2L mill but as per our understanding, a non-turbocharged version of the 1.2L Revotron makes much more sense. A CNG option can also be expected. Rumours are rife of an AMT variant as well!

Kite may and should finally replace the aging Indica line-up and a sub 4m compact sedan which will be placed below the Zest, replacing the Indigo CS is also expected to be underway.

While Tata will be trying to make the Kite a completely new car but some parts sharing from the Indica and the Bolt may happen to keep the costs under check. Interior space can also be expected to be pretty handsome and hopefully better than the competition. With some nice and interesting products in the lineup, it appears that Tata is up for a turnaround. Let us wait and see…

Related: Three New Upcoming Tata Cars in 4 Months: List & Details