Tata to launch premium hatchback based on Indica platform

Tata Motors is currently in the process of developing a premium hatchback based on the Indica X0 platform. The car will take on models from rivals like Maruti Suzuki and Ford and is expected to be launched by 2015.

According to the Economic Times, this car will fit in line with recently-appointed MD Karl Slym’s idea of a Tata vehicle that is modern and will appeal to the a younger buying group. It will be the case of the same vehicle underneath (by virtue of platform) but with more than 75 per cent of the body changed to create something completely new.  This would be beneficial to the company as it would be able to keep cost down but be able to appeal to a much wider group.

The premium hatchback is likely to be powered by the same set of engines as the Indica Vista; 1.2-litre petrol/diesel, 1.3-litre petrol/diesel, 1.4-litre petrol/diesel, the last of which is likely to only appear on the top-end version.

The report suggests the final details of the car will be frozen on March 31 and the company will begin work on the vehicle.  The car will be a part of Tata’s new product line up which is expected to be announced within the next few months and will involve development worth Rs 4000-Rs 5000 crore over the next five years. 

Source: Economic Times