We've seen a wave of new compact sedans derived from earlier hatchback siblings hit the market, but Tata has chosen to reverse the trend. Tata first introduced the Zest sedan a couple of months back and is now gearing up to launch what’s essentially a chopped-boot version of the Zest – 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 while retaining the Tata ethos. The blacked-out C-pillar gives the Bolt a floating-roof look at the rear. Design elements on the inside are similar to the Zest. What it misses out on though, are the LED daytime-running lights which the Zest sedan gets.
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 88.7bhp and 14.3kgm of torque, and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. This engine comes with drive selection options of Eco, City and Sport. The diesel engine is the tried-and-tested 1.3-litre Multijet that makes 74bhp and 19.4kgm of torque. This engine too is coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox. Unlike the Zest, the Bolt does not get the 89bhp diesel motor. The diesel motor that powers the base variant of the Zest is the 74bhp version. The Bolt also misses out on the AMT, for now.
Equipment
Like the Tata 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 and a trim-wise breakup will be available closer to the launch date.
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.