Tata Bolt

Carmakers generally follow the trend of introducing a hatchback into the market first, and then going on to offer a compact sedan that spawns from the same hatchback. With the new generation of their car in the Indian market, Tata followed the reverse approach. It introduced the Zest sedan a couple of months back and is now gearing up to launch, what’s essentially, its chopped-boot version, the Bolt hatchback.

Design

The Zest sedan was the beginning of a new design language for Tata cars. Not surprisingly, the Bolt follows suit. The face has the new grille that merges with the headlamps which are smoked projector units – a segment first. The Bolt’s front bumpers, lamp assemblies and fine creases give it a bolder, more stunning stance but retain the Tata ethos. The Blacked out C-Pillar gives the Bolt a floating roof look at the rear. Design elements on the inside are also inspired by the Zest.

Equipment

Like the Zest sedan, Tata is also expected to load the Bolt with adequate features. Some of the features on top-spec models include ABS, Front airbags, fog lamps, rear defogger, projector headlamps, remote central locking, 15-inch alloys, turn indicators on wing mirrors and a touchscreen-based infotainment system. In-depth information about the features will be available closer to the launch date of when the trim-wise breakup will be made available.

The Tata Bolt is expected in our markets in early 2015 and will be the carmaker’s renewed attempt to grab a chunk of the hotly-contested premium hatchback segment. It will be pit against the likes of the Maruti Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Punto and the Hyundai i20. 

Mechanicals

The Tata Bolt will come with both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol model will be powered by the 1.2-litre Revotron turbocharged engine that also does duty in the Zest sedan. It makes 88.7 bhp and 14.3 kgm of torque, and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. This engine comes with the drive selector to choose between, Eco, City and Sport. The diesel engine is the tried-and-tested 1.3-litre Multijet, that makes 74 bhp and 19.4 kgm of torque. This engine too is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox.