Geneva Motor Show has always been an important international event for Tata Motors, and the 2016 edition is no different. In fact, with three new products, the company’s got quite an interesting line-up at the show, comprising the upcoming Tiago hatchback (renamed from Zica), Hexa premium crossover (Aria replacement), and Kite 5 (Indigo CS replacement, based on the same platform as Tiago).
While the Zica was unveiled in November last year, it made its public debut at the 2016 Auto Expo. The car’s name was eventually changed to Tiago, following the outbreak of the deadly virus with a similar-sounding name ‘Zika’. At the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, Tata Motors showcased the customised version of the car (also present at the Auto Expo) with crossover-like styling. Engine options in the Indian market will include new three-cylinder units: a 1.05-liter diesel and a 1.2-liter petrol. There will be a 5-speed gearbox on both engines, while an AMT unit is expected in the future.
The Indica-replacement is accompanied by the Tata Kite 5. Also debuted at the Auto Expo last month, the car is based on the same platform as the Tiago but offers a larger boot. The sub-four-meter vehicle will replace the ageing Indigo eCS and be positioned below the Zest compact sedan.
Also straight from the Expo floors to Geneva is the Tata Hexa premium crossover. The vehicle will replace the Aria when it goes on sale. Certainly a substantial improvement over its predecessor, the Hexa boasts better styling on the outside, better finish on the inside, and a more powerful powertrain under the bonnet. The engine is a 2.2-liter VariCOR unit as found in the Safari Storme 400, and makes 156 PS and 400 Nm of maximum torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be standard, while a 6-speed automatic unit will also be made available.