It has been long-rumoured that Tata's upcoming Kite hatchback will come equipped with AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). While this remained a speculation, it has now almost been confirmed that Kite hatchback's diesel models will get AMT in India if emerging reports are anything to go by.
MotorOctane claims that Tata Kite diesel will become the first car in the segment to get AMT in the diesel models. The AMT boxes are likely to be supplied by Magnetti Marelli and with the launch of Kite AMT, Tata will target the urban diesel buyers. Although there are AMT models of Maruti Celerio and Alto K10 in the market, these are offered in the petrol variants.
Tata Kite, a hatchback built on a new platform, is expected make its India entry by the end of this year. Under the hood, Tata Kite is likely to get the company's new 1.05 litre three-cylinder common-rail diesel motor that can churn out a power of 64.1bhp and 14.27kgm of torque and an all-new 1.2-litre petrol engine.
To be manufactured at Sanand plant in Gujarat, Tata Kite is expected to include triple-arm steering wheel and Harman music system and OVRMs with integrated turn indicators.
Tata Kite which will take on the likes of Maruti Celerio and Hyundai Grand i10 in India, and is expected to be priced at around Rs 4 lakh.
It has also been rumoured that Argentinean footballer and Spanish club Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will be the brand ambassador of Tata Kite.
