Finally after so many speculations and misses, Tata motors has finally launched Bolt hatchback on 22nd January 2015. Tata Bolt is the second vehicle after Zest to be based on HORIZONEXT technology which will replace Tata Indica. Tata motors started taking bookings for Bolt from 23rd December 2014 at the token amount of Rs. 11,000 INR and got more than 10,000 enquiries for test drive. Tata bolt carry lots of expectation for the home-grown car maker because it will try to establish them into hatchback segment and will try to erase the Taxi image of the car it is replacing. Let’s find out whether Bolt have the elements to drive Tata motors to success or not?
Price:
Tata launches Bolt in Four trims- XE, XM, XMS and XT both Petrol and Diesel, Base variant of Petrol Bolt starts at Rs. 4.44 lakh which goes up to 6.05 lakh for the top XT variant, while diesel version of Bolt hatchback costs you Rs. 5.49 lakh and Top variant comes for Rs. 6.99 lakhs.
All the prices given above are ex showroom Delhi.
Engine Details:
Tata Bolt is available in both Petrol and diesel variants 1.2L Revotron petrol motor which churns out 89bhp power@5000rpm and 140Nm torque@1500-4000rpm while 1.3L Multijet diesel engine generates 74bhp power@4000rpm and 190Nm torque@1750-3000rpm (10bhp power and 10Nm torque less than Zest sedan). Both the engines are mated to 5 speed manual transmission only and company has no plans to introduce AMT any sooner.
Like Zest sedan Bolt (only petrol variants) also get multi drive modes– City, Eco and Sport in which city mode is a default mode, eco for more fuel economy and Sport for its full potential fun performance.
Space and Dimensions:
Tata bolt looks a spacious car especially the rear side and company claims that it is better than its competitors. Bolt is 3825mm long, 1695mm wide and 1562mm tall and wheelbase of 2470mm compliments the overall dimensions. Ground clearance is 165mm and boot volume is 210 liters which is better than swift but way less than Ford Figo and Grand i10.
Exterior and Interiors:
Overall frame chassis and stance of Tata Bolt looks familiar but Tata motors has added some youthful styling and features like First in class smoked projector headlamps, front end gets Zest inspired signature front grill with piano black touch and chrome element, new muscular front bumper, front fog lamps with darkened out black surroundings to add more character to the design of Bolt. Side profile gets new 15” alloy wheels, stylish black out C-pillars, body painted side mirror wings and door handles.
Rear Profile is totally different from existing Tata cars especially the new combo vertical tail lamps. Besides that rear side has single chrome line accompanied by number plate beneath it.
Like Exterior, Interior is totally different from conventional Tata cars, it’s much more sport and premium. Bolt gets all black interiors as compared to Zest’s dual beige interiors, centre console looks neat and driver friendly and main USP of it is Harman touch screen infotainment system with bluetooth connectivity, Smartphone enabled navigation with MAPMYINDIA maps and speed sensitive auto volume control.
New steering wheel feels nice to hold with speed sensitivity and active return function. It also gets fully automatic A/C with touchscreen controls. Central console looks clean with chrome surrounding and showing all the information clearly. On storage department Bolt has big glove box, a cup holder near gear lever and 210 liters of boot space.
Overall Bolt’s cabin is sporty and premium as well certainly a commendable effort by Tata’s engineers.
Colors:
Bolt Hatchback is available in five vibrant colors- Pristine white, Venetian Red, Dune Beige , Sky greyPlatinum and Silver
Safety:
Tata motors ensure that Bolt is equipped with various safety features to ensure maximum safety to occupants. Bolt comes with dual front SRS airbags, advanced 9th GEN ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic braking distribution) and CSC (corner stability control). Bolt is loaded some other essential safety features like Perimetric alarm system, rear child door lock, front-rear fog lamps, speed sensing auto door lock, front seat belts with pre-tensioners, engine immobilizer, rear wiper and defoggers.
