The new Tata Kite will be based on the existing Indica hatchback’s XO platform. The Tata Indica has been around since 1998 and a complete design update is now overdue. The new model is likely to feature more bold styling cues to make the car look upmarket and modern.

The Kite is expected to feature tata's all new 1.05-litre three-cylinder common-rail diesel engine which was earlier displayed at the Auto Expo this year. The motor will be good for 64 bhp and a peak torque of 140 Nm. The power and torque will be transmitted through a five speed manual transmission which should give the Kite a good fuel efficiency. The Kite would also get an all new 1.2 litre petrol motor with an option of an AMT transmission.

The Kite is therefore expected to rough up the competition if not totally dominate the segment. The car is a direct successor of the Indica and with better quality of interiors and more appealing exterior, it can truly rival the Maruti Celerio. The fuel efficient pair of engines will also do justice to its cause.

The fact that the Tata Kite will be based on the existing Indica’s platform means that it should as spacious and if not more than the Indica. Ofcourse, the Kite can be expected to have more modern interiors than the Indica, along with more equipment. Tata is also working on a compact sedan version of the new Kite.

Under the hood, the new Tata Kite will be powered by the company’s new 1.2 litre Revotron turbocharged petrol engine, albeit without the turbocharger in the interest of keeping costs low. This would also mean that the Kite’s petrol engine will develop lesser power than it does in bigger Tata models in which is has a turbo. Resulting in better fuel efficiency. The Tata Kite will get a new 1.05 litre, three cylinder, diesel engine developing maximum power and torque outputs in the range of 64PS and 142Nm, respectively.