Tata Kite 5 compact sedan to be launched after Hexa

Tata Motors is gearing up for the launch of a string of models in the country. While the launch of the Hexa SUV has been confirmed for January 2017, the release dates of the Kite 5 compact sedan and Nexon compact SUV are yet to be revealed.

Now it looks like there is more clarity on that too. According to emerging reports, the Kite 5 compact sedan will be launched in the country after the Hexa. The Kite 5 is likely to come to the market by mid-2017.

The Kite 5, the compact sedan based on Tata's popular hatchback, the Tiago, was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2016. The model has been going through testing on roads since then. From what we have known so far, the new Kite 5 measures 3,995mm in length, 1,647mm in width and 1,535mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,450mm. The Kite 5 is expected to get chrome Humanity Line at the front that extends to the dual chamber headlamps, LED tail lamps and bold shoulder lines.

As for features, you can expect the Kite 5 to get a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system with USB, aux and Bluetooth connectivity and six-speaker sound system. On the safety front, the Kite 5 is expected to come equipped with dual airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and corner stability control (CSC).

Under the hood, Kite 5 will get a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol and 1.05-litre three-cylinder diesel motor. While the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine will churn out 83.8bhp of power at 6,000rpm and 114Nm of torque at 3,500rpm, the all-new 1.05-litre, three-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine will develop 69bhp of power and 140Nm of torque. Both engines will be available with multi-drive modes — Eco and City.

When launched, the Kite 5 will be pitted against Maruti Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze, Volkswagen Ameo and Ford Figo Aspire.