Testing of the upcoming Tata Kite hatchback has been going on for quite a while. This is usually an uneventful process and that’s how this one was, right up until the test mules got hit by a truck. The two Tata Kite test mules were travelling together on the Pune-Bangalore highway. The test mules were apparently clocking speeds of between 60-80 km/h. As it is with most major roadways these days, the hatchback duo encountered some construction diversion. The test mules, now on the poorly lit diversion path, were hit by a truck that came from the other side.
The Tata Kite may be called the ‘Blade’ when launched.
The major brunt of this truck impact was borne by the lead car. The second Tata Kite braked and managed to come to a stop safely as the driver had enough time to react. However, the lead car wasn’t so lucky and suffered significant damage in the accident. The impact was such that the right-hand side front wheel of this Kite got separated from the axle. As it is with many accidents, the driver of the truck fled the scene and continued on with his journey. Thankfully, everyone involved in the whole incident escaped without further incident.
The Tata Kite (Glade) will be slotted below the Bolt hatchback.
There will be a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that puts out around 75bhp of max power. This REVOTRON engine currently does duty in the Bolt and Zest. There may also be 1.05-litre three-pot turbo diesel unit. This engine was showcased on the Tata Manza Hybrid in 2012 Auto Expo. It puts out 64.1bhp of max power and 140 Nm of twist. The budget hatchback could also come with an e-Clutch system to aid city driving. The Tata Kite is expected to be launched somewhere this year and could be made at the carmaker’s Sanand plant in Gujarat.
via Rushlane
Did you mean 86 bhp 1.2 revotron engine? Havn’t heard the revotron detuned for 75 bhp.