The homegrown carmaker Tata Motors revealed its Kite 5, a Zica based compact sedan at the 2016 Auto Expo, recently.
The Kite 5 shared the stage with 20 more products from Tata including Zica hatch, Nexon compact SUV, Hexa SUV and Safari Strome 'Tuff', showcased at the Expo held in Greater Noida.
To be targeted towards the budget-conscious customers, the vehicle is expected to be on sale by the second quarter of this year. Positioned below the premium offering of Tata Zest in the lineup, the sedan is anticipated to be a more affordable option than its rivals such as Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Ford Figo Aspire, Honda Amaze, and Hyundai Xcent. We hope that this newcomer will be the apt replacement for the favorite, but aging Indigo eCS.
Exterior Styling
Tata's best executed compact sedan in comparison to the already present contenders, carries some of its design bits and features from the Zica that gives it premium look from the rest.
Tata Kite 5 is based on the modified XO platform for better rigidity and stability and highlights the inherited elements such as subtly integrated LED brake lamp in the spoiler, headlights with projectors, grille with glossy black finish, taillights, bumpers and large air intakes.
The all-new coupe-like roofline and the prominent window lines give it a more contemporary and premium look than other sub-4m sedans. The bold stance and aggressive styling subside the odd boot design in the Tata Kite sedan.
Interior & Safety Features
Inside the cabin, the car gets the Zica-inspired instrument panel and dashboard along with a host of safety & comfort features. Unlike its twin, Kite 5 will accommodate an 8-speaker touchscreen Harman infotainment system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth facilities, along with Zica's Juke App connectivity.
On the safety side, the sedan will carry forward a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, ABS, EBS, CSC (Corner Stability Control) and dual front airbags from the Zica hatch.
Engine & Transmission
The all- new high throbbing petrol and diesel engines line-up in Tata Kite 5 lends it more power and fuel efficiency than the Indigo eCS.
These engines are a new set of powertrains, which will be offered with Zica hatchback. The engine compartment of this new compact sedan will be the house for a 1.05-litre Revotorq 3-cylinder diesel and a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine.
While the diesel powertrain produces 70 PS @ 4000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 Nm in-between 1800-3000 rpm, the petrol motor churns out 85 PS @ 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 114 Nm @ 3500 rpm. Both the power plants are proposed to come mated to a standard 5-Speed manual and an AMT gearbox option.
Price in India
The comparatively spacious and comfortable compact sedan will be lined up below the Zest and is expected to be priced aggressively against its rivals.
With a brand new styling and features loaded to the brim, Tata Kite 5 is expected to change the fortunes of the automaker.
Rest remains is the pricing, which we can expect around Rs. 4.5 lac (ex-showroom New Delhi).
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