Tata Nexon compact SUV, Kite 5 compact sedan to get AMT in India: Report

Tata Motors is planning to introduce Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) in many of its upcoming models, suggest emerging reports. Tata is also reportedly considering AMT for its Nexon compact SUV, which was showcased at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2016.

A report of ET Auto reveals that the maker of the least-expensive car Nano has plans to roll out AMT variants of its upcoming new models such as Kite 5 compact sedan, Tata Zica hatchback and Nexon SUV, considering the increasing demand for the clutch-less transmission in India. All the three models were part of Tata's pavilion at the auto show in Delhi. The report also says that Tata is also developing automatic transmission for its Hexa crossover.

Tata, which currently offers AMT in the Nano and the Zest, sources AMT boxes from the Italian component major Magneti Marelli. Tata hopes to launch new models equipped with AMT in India once Magneti Marelli starts dedicated supply from September 2016.

The Nexon SUV, which features the next-generation Impact design philosophy of Tata, is expected to be launched in India later this year. Built on the heavily-modified Tata X1 platform of the Indica, Nexon gets a 1.2L turbo-charged petrol engine and a 1.5L diesel engine. Inside the cabin of the Nexon are a 6.5-inch Harman touchscreen infotainment system with eight speakers, voice control and command recognition, and a multi-functional steering wheel.

To be pitted against Ford EcoSport and Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon will be priced in the range of Rs 6-10 lakh.

Tata Kite 5 compact sedan is also expected to be launched in the second half of the year.