The Tata Kite hatchback has been officially christened as the Zica and will be launched in India in the first week of January. The Tata Kite hatchback's name was revealed in a new teaser featuring the carmaker's new brand ambassador Lionel Messi. Tata revealed that the name is a derivation of 'ZIppy CAr', which is probably an indicator to the upcoming hatchback's performance.
Tata Zica, which will replace the ageing Indica eV2 in India, will sport a new signature front grille with the 'Humanity Line' and smoked head-lamps. To be built on the XO platform, Tata Zica's character lines are reminiscent of the Indica. However, Zica's rear profile looks completely different. The new hatchback is expected to be manufactured at Tata's Sanand, Gujarat-based facility.
The Tata Zica is likely to get a new suspension system as well, with the fully-independent rear suspension of the Indica set be replaced by a more conventional non-independent, twist beam axle.
The hatchback will come powered by a new 1.05-litre, 3-cylinder diesel engine that puts out a maximum power output of 64bhp and 140Nm of peak torque. The petrol model, on the other hand, will get the same 1.2-litre Revotron unit that currently powers the Bolt.
The carmaker will slot the Tata Zica between the Nano and the Bolt, and will take on cars like the Hyundai Grand i10 and Maruti Suzuki Celerio with the new hatchback.
A Tata Kite compact sedan is on the cards as well and it remains to be seen what name the carmaker gives to it and when it will be launched.
As far as pricing of the Tata Zica goes, Tata Motors can be expected to be aggressive on this front. That said, keep watching this space for more since we will have the first driving impressions of the Tata Zica soon.
Tata Zica Specs
a. 1.2-litre Petrol
Power: 88.76bhp
Torque: 140Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual/ F-Tronic AMT
b. 1.05-litre Diesel
Power: 64bhp (expected)
Torque: 142Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual/ F-Tronic AMT
