Tata cars have always scored high on space, practicality and fuel efficiency. But, of late, most of its small cars have started feeling dated. The original Indica came out in 1998, while the Vista has been on sale since 2008. Which brings us to the company?s latest offering, the Bolt hatchback that you see here.
You can see the obvious resemblance to the Vista; and it is, in fact, based on the same basic structure. But put the two side by side and you?ll find that nearly every body panel is new. The front now wears a more youthful design?the elongated headlamps and honeycomb grille give it a much smarter appearance. The bumper is new too and there?s even a power bulge in the bonnet.
Adding a bit of flavour to the sides are two prominent creases that run the length of the car. While at the rear, the vertically stacked tail-lamps of the Vista have made way for smaller, more conventional units. Also, the number plate moves up to the tailgate from the bumper and in its place sits a rear foglamp. The blackened area around the rear windshield give the roof a ?floating? effect.
The changes on the inside as well are massive. There?s a huge step up in quality?in fact, the cabin is nothing like you have seen in a Tata before. The piano-black plastic and the perforated leather upholstery give the cabin a much more premium air. The switches and buttons work with a precise action, adding to the feel of quality. The instruments are big and legible and there?s a trip computer that displays fuel consumption and average speed.
While Tata hasn?t revealed any details about what trims this car will be available in, the car you see here is the fully loaded Bolt. It?s got climate control, alloy wheels, and there?s a touchscreen entertainment system with Bluetooth connectivity.
Like we have said earlier, Tata cars are usually spacious and comfortable, and the Bolt hatchback embodies these traits. The front seats are very comfortable and Tata?s engineers have used better cushioning and optimised them to be extra supportive.
The rear seats are equally comfortable and, now, there is even more legroom on offer, thanks to the scooped out rear of the front seats. There are few cubbyholes in the cabin and the door pockets are relatively slim, but the glovebox is quite big.
Finding place under the bonnet is Tata?s new 1.2-litre Revotron turbocharged petrol engine, which doesn?t make as much power as its rivals, but the company has worked on making the engine more fuel efficient and less noisy. In fact, a lot of effort has gone into making the engine smooth. A segment first, however, is the ?Sport? button, which alters the engine?s behaviour for more powerful performance. There?s the option of a diesel as well.
It?s the same 1.3-litre Fiat-sourced unit found in other cars like the Maruti Swift, Fiat Linea and Chevrolet Sail.
Last month, on the occasion of the unveiling of the Bolt, Ranjit Yadav, president, passenger vehicles, Tata Motors, said, ?We, at Tata Motors, are delighted to showcase to the global market the much awaited next generation cars. Both the Zest and the Bolt have been engineered for global markets, through global teams across India, the UK and Korea, to set new standards in their respective segments. These cars are a true representation of our Horizonext philosophy, with best-in-class offerings for performance that yet offers economy and efficiency.?
Overall, the Bolt is a step in the right direction for Tata. We expect it to be priced competitively when it goes on sale and it?s an option worth considering for hatchback buyers.
