Tata's compact Kite sedan spied testing in Tamil Nadu

Tata Motors had started testing the Kite siblings (hatchback and compact sedan) in India by the end of last year. A test mule of the compact sedan was spied testing recently in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

Though the front fascia of this test vehicle gets makeshift headlamps, the car is expected to get a new Tata signature grille designed to extend well into the completely new headlights. The rear profile looks completely different and more attractive than any other Tata sedan available at present. As we can see in the spied picture, the compact sedan will get a sloping rear windshield like a notchback and an integrated spoiler. From earlier spyshots we know that the interior will also be new with a white-backlit instrument cluster alongside a multi-information display and rectangular air vents in the new dashboard.

The Kite sedan and hatchback will borrow the powertrain from the Indigo and Indica respectively. However, there are speculations that the carmaker might add a new three-cylinder petrol and diesel mill option for these new vehicles. These engines are expected to be  mated to a five-speed manual transmission, but we can also expect the AMT gearbox to be offered.

Just like the Kite hatchback, which will be based on the Indica's XO platform, the new compact sedan is expected to get the same underpinnings. Late 2015 or early 2016 is when we can expect these cars to be made available in the Indian market. These cars will further help Tata Motors revamp their image in the Indian market that is slowly changing with the launch of the recently launched Bolt hatchback and Zest sedan.

Image Courtesy: IAB