Tata Motors is gearing up for a number of new launches in a bid to revive sales. The Kite hatchback will be globally premiered in December, to be followed by the Hexa crossover, which is expected to be launched during the 2016 Auto Expo.

Tata Motors is reportedly working on a compact SUV that is based on the Nexon compact SUV showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, reports ZigWheels. The compact has been code named "Osprey" and will be built on a slightly modified X1 platform that also underpins the Bolt hatchback and the Zest compact sedan.

The Osprey in its production version is expected to be powered by the 1.2-litre petrol Revotron engine and the 1.3-litre Multijet engine that also does duty in Bolt and Zest. The previous reports had indicated Tata considering employing the new 1.5-litre multijet diesel engine Fiat is currently working on. It would be easier for Tata to get it manufactured in Ranjangaon and utilise the Fiat diesel engine. However, there is no confirmation on using Fiat-sourced engine or going with own engine.

The Osprey will lock horns against the likes of Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300. The to-be-launched car is likely to replicate the TUV300 in terms of seating arrangement, which means the compact SUV will be a seven seater despite compact proportions. The compact SUV is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 6 to 10 lakh and the production version is expected in the second half of 2016 or early 2017.

Source: Zigwheels

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