Tata Kite based compact sedan spotted testing

Tata recently started testing the Kite which will rival the Maruti Suzuki Celerio. The hatchback will slide in above the Tata Nano, but below the Bolt. However, the Kite will not only be available as a hatchback, but as a low cost compact sedan as well. Fresh spy shots show the car draped in Zest camouflauge, but the design is evidently different. The Indigo eCS which started the compact sedan segment in India has aged. In all likelihood, Tata will replace it with the new Kite based compact sedan.

Both, the Kite hatchback and compact sedan are expected to be manufactured at Tata's under-utilized plant in Sanand, Gujarat. Reports suggest that engine options could include a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.05-litre diesel engine. Tata may also offer the AMT transmission with at least one engine option.

The Kite based compact sedan will not have any direct rivals as it stands. However, the strategy seems to revolve around under cutting cars like the Hyundai Grand i10, Honda Brio & Maruti Suzuki Swift.

Images courtesy: Cartoq & Autocar