Tata Motors’ upcoming small hatchback – the Tata Zica – will be launched in early January, 2016 after its unveiling in December. Third all-new product under Tata’s HorizoNext umbrella, the Tata Zica (code-named Kite) is quite an important vehicle for the home-grown automaker as it will rival some of the top-selling cars in India including Maruti Wagon R, Maruti Alto K10, Hyundai Eon, and the recently launched Renault Kwid. What makes its an even more important car for the carmaker is the fact that it will replace the Indica eV2 which has been the highest-selling hatchback for Tata.
The Tata Zica is based on a slightly revised version of the XO platform, which also underpins the Indica eV2 and Indigo eCS. Though the Zica shares few of its design elements with the Bolt and the Zest, it manages to look different and sportier than most Tata hatchbacks on sale today. The vehicle’s front fascia looks quite similar to the Bolt and the Zest with similar D-cut grille and headlamps, though it has all-new side and rear profiles. Some other interesting design elements at the rear and sides are all-new tail-lamp, body-coloured door handles, rear spoiler, 10-spoke alloy wheels, sloping rear windshield, etc.
The Zica’s cabin will take its inspiration from the Bolt hatchback, with similar dashboard, controls and steering wheel. Just like the Bolt and the Zest, the Tata Zica too has been jointly designed by three Tata Motors studios – Pune, Turin and Coventry.
The Tata Zica will come with two engine options – a 1.05-litre 3-cylinder diesel and a 1.2-litre petrol engine. While the former is an all-new unit, the latter is the same that powers the petrol versions of the Bolt and Zest.
Though there is no official word about the Zica’s pricing, we expect it to cost between Rs 3 lakh – Rs 4 lakh.
Tata Zica Engine Options
Petrol – 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder
Diesel – 1.05-litre, 3-cylinder
Tata Zica Estimated Price Range – Rs 3 lakh – Rs 4 lakh
Tata Zica Rivals – Renault Kwid, Hyundai Eon, Maruti Wagon R, Maruti Alto K10
