Buoyed by the excellent response for Zest compact sedan, Tata Motors is now aiming to launch a series of new products in the Indian car market in next 2 years. The company will launch the much awaited Bolt hatchback in the first quarter, 2015. Adding to it, Tata is also aiming to add AMT equipped Nano and more powerful Safari Storme facelift next year.
The homegrown automaker is also aiming to enter into the growing sub-compact SUV segment. At the 2014 Delhi Motor Show, Tata Motors showcased the Nexon compact SUV concept, which received a positive response from visitors as well as critics. Sources suggest that the Nexon mini SUV would enter into production in early 2016, while the launch could take place by March, 2016. This crossover is said to offer a mix styling of coupe and crossover. Dimensionally, the compact SUV is 4m long, 1.73m wide and 1.6m tall, and it has a good wheelbase of 2.54m.
Set to rival Ford EcoSport and upcoming sub-compact SUVs from Volkswagen, Honda and Maruti Suzuki, the Nexon SUV would be offered in both petrol and diesel fuel options. The petrol version will be powered by the 1.2-litre turbocharged unit that also powers the Zest and Bolt, while the oil burner is likely to be the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre Multi-Jet unit. A five-speed manual transmission gearbox would come as standard. Tata Motors might also offer the AMT-equipped Nexon variant, just like the Zest compact sedan. Interestingly, the company is also aiming to add an electric 4-wheel drive option to the SUV.
