Tata Osprey compact SUV spied

Tata Motors recently unveiled the all-new Zica hatchback, scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2016. This time around, a heavily camouflaged test mule of its compact SUV has been spotted. Based on the Zest / Bolt platform, this compact SUV, code-named Osprey / X104 is likely to hit the showrooms either by late 2016 or early 2017 (link to news article).

Some reports suggest that the production version will resemble the Nexon concept, showcased at the Auto Expo 2014. From the images, we can spot the honeycomb smiling front grill and fog lamps. The visible circular headlamps are a temporary addition which will not be present in the final production version. The ORVMs with integrated turn indicators resemble the Bolt & the Zest and so do the door handles. The car appears taller than a Ritz. Not much can be identified on the side or rear apart from the wide tyres and 16 / 17" steel wheels and the rear fog lamp. It has a raised stance and we can expect high ground clearance, befitting its SUV image.

While not much can be identified on the interiors, the steering wheel and door handles / locks are identical to the ones on the Bolt / Zest. We can safely expect a lot of parts sharing between the cars.

Engine and transmission options remain a speculation as of now, but we can expect a 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Autocar reports that a new in-house developed 1.5 litre diesel motor (110 BHP) with a 6-speed manual transmission will also make its debut with this SUV.

Image Source: AutoColumn