SCOOP! Tata Falcon hatchback christened Tata Bolt

The Tata Bolt will make its debut at the Auto Expo 2014 after its formal unveiling on February 3rd in New Delhi. Known by its codename ‘Falcon 4’ this new hatchback has been christened the Tata Bolt and will displayed alongside its sub-four metre saloon sibling which is internally called the ’Falcon 5’ (the market name of the compact saloon has not been disclosed) 

 

The Tata Bolt is based on Tata’s X1 platform and is essentially a heavily re-designed version of the Vista but can be seen as an all-new car. Apart from the glass area, which is carried over from the Vista, the Tata Bolt gets new body panels and mechanicals too. 

 

The re-styled nose is said to be very striking as are the strong character lines on the flanks. The big news though is the departure from the tall, vertically stacked tail lights which is the original Indica signature, to a more conventional wing shaped shaped design. 

 

Tata Motors has revamped the interiors too with an all-new dashboard and better seats which have  made the cabin plusher than before. 

 

The mechanicals are said to be hugely improved too with a new suspension design for better ride and handling. The big news however is the switch to Electric Power Steering (EPS) courtesy ZF, who are suppliers to the Nano Twist as well. The EPS which is believed to be much lighter than the hydraulically assisted steering of the Vista has allowed Tata to use a smaller diameter steering wheel in the Tata Bolt. 

 

The Bolt will be powered by Tata Motor’s all-new 84bhp Revotron 1.2 litre turbo-petrol and the tried and trusted Fiat-sourced 1.3 Multijet diesel engine. 

 

The Tata Bolt’s prices are likely to be announced only when the car goes on sale sometime this year.