Tata's New Hatchback 'Kite' to Rival Maruti Celerio

Tata Motors is in the mood to leave no stones unturned to reclaim its lost position in the market. To achieve this, the home-grown automaker is all set to bring in a new breed kof cars in some of the most profitable segments. Along with launching two new cars - the Zest compact sedan and the Bolt hatchback, Tata Motors has plans to enter the entry-level hatchback segment too that is led by Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai for now.

If reports are to be believed, Tata Motors is currently working on a new entry-level hatchback, which will take on the likes of Maruti Celerio, Hyundai i10, Datsun Go and others in the segment. The development of the car has already begun, and it has been codemaned as the Kite. To take a competitive edge, Tata might launch the entry level hatchback in both, petrol and diesel versions as none of its competitors currently have a diesel engine. What engine options Tata will use is still unclear, but Tata has the option to utilise the 1.2-litre 64bhp petrol and the 1.4-litre TDI diesel unit. Both these engine also power the Indica and Indigo.

To be built on the XO platform, the new hatchback is expected to be manufactured at Tata's Sanand, Gujarat-based facility. Since the company has started testing the vehicle already, we expect it to arrive by next year.

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