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Old 15th February 2014, 09:02   #421
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

With the Bolt and the Zest, I am curious to know if the situation / perception changes post-SOP!
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Old 15th February 2014, 09:17   #422
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

Quote:
Originally Posted by gomzi View Post
Actually even I was wondering a few days back that instead of a "Sedan" with a truncated boot, why don't car manufacturers make notchbacks or even hatch backs with a BIG boot and still fit in the 4M category.

Just imagine a hatch back rather than the stubby boot, so much more space to be had! This could definitely be a different USP and sell in good numbers.
Totally agree with you. But I think that's what ford ecosport , Duster Terrano are exactly. I too completely believe in extended hatch backs as you can get much more luggage in them considering the "boot" doesn't have a height limit. Such cars are the way forward and we are seeing the design sell well. That was indeed why the station wagon concept became such a hit a long time back. Now the same concept is being reinvented.
Only problem is when people start saying "why didn't they add another row of seats to it"
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Old 15th February 2014, 13:20   #423
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

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Originally Posted by cingsman View Post
I am surely not an industry 'insider' as you may define it but here's my take on this situation. Tata vehicles or rather the brand has been known to price their vehicles on the low compared to the MSILs and the Hyundais. So it automatically becomes 'the' option for cost-conscious buyers out there. With that as a background, the cabbie is the most cost conscious buyer we know of and so the Tata vehicles became the 'national cab' so to speak, not to mention the space, cheap spares that Tata vehicles are known for. As to the quintessential family man, space is the USP for him - add to that his / her cost-consciousness, and you know why so many people are seen to be crammed in many Tata vehicles.

Coming to the sporty market question, I wonder if there is a market large enough that wants 'sporty' vehicles but are ready to pay the moolah as well as the high running costs (read: less FE) for the 'sportyness'. Needless to say, in India, the sportiness is expected to come with equallly good FE (equal to the 'family' vehicle variant). So, OEMs want to be at that sweet spot between the two so as to appeal to both the segments without wanting to give too much away. Some vehicles may skew towards the sportier side while the others may veer towards the familial requirements - is my thinking.

My 2 cents
I largely agree on your take on the situation, espcially on whether people are prepared to pay more upfront for the car and incrementally for fuel.

As to finding a sweet spot, I think that there's no such thing. Trying to appeal to as wide a market as possible makes any product less appealing to the everyone. Look at most of GM's products in India. They are dull to look at and dull to drive. The only GM vehicle that currently sells well (relatively) is the Beat. It is possibly the most polarising car in terms of looks but it admitedly has a certain character and says something about anyone buying one.

Designing a new car or any other product starts with identifying the potential customer and learning their requirements and then designing the product to suit those requirements.
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Old 25th February 2014, 14:06   #424
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

I thought Tata was planning to launch Zest and Bolt mid of this year. Are we approaching the launch of Zest?

I came across following Ads of Tata Zest on LinkedIn. Why would a company spend money on promoting a product which is 4 months or more away from launch. One would instead do PR activities or road shows like what Ford did with EcoSport instead of spending money on Advertising.

Or is this a way to ensure that Zest remains in a buyers consideration set and hence they postpone their purchase decision for Amaze or Dzire and wait for Zest.

The first thing that they should spend money on is SEO. You go to Google and search for Tata Zest. Ideally the first link that should appear is http://tatamotorszest.com, but what you get to see are URLs of all Auto blogs and boards carrying article on Tata Zest.
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Old 26th February 2014, 01:16   #425
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

More pics by Autocarindia.
Zest looks really good and fabulous interiors for both.
Notice the DRL on both. Looks cool.
Attached Thumbnails
On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225094025_zest3.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225094047_zest2.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225094059_zest1.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225094120_zest9.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225094238_zest4.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225094247_zest5.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225094309_zest7.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225121658_bolt4.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225121749_bolt2.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225121824_bolt1-copy.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225121931_boltengine.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225121940_boltint1.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225123304_bolt3.jpg  

On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-0_0_860_http__i.haymarket.net.au_galleries_20140225123310_boltbadge.jpg  


Last edited by harry10 : 26th February 2014 at 01:23.
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Old 26th February 2014, 02:19   #426
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

Quote:
Originally Posted by harry10 View Post
More pics by Autocarindia.
Zest looks really good and fabulous interiors for both.
Notice the DRL on both. Looks cool.
The Zest looks good, but the size of the wheels gives it a mod'd car look. The visible muffler behind is an eyesore.

The Bolt on the other hand looks good overall. Hopefully they have an engine powerful enough to match their looks.
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Old 26th February 2014, 16:48   #427
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

Quote:
Originally Posted by tharian View Post
The Zest looks good, but the size of the wheels gives it a mod'd car look. The visible muffler behind is an eyesore.

The Bolt on the other hand looks good overall. Hopefully they have an engine powerful enough to match their looks.
The Zest has 16" alloys. Most BHPians would think that a good thing Looks quite Ecosportish, IMHO. Maybe they will think of something along those lines in the future. If Tata can match Ford in quality and style, then the Bolt is a very good platform for a sub four-metre long Hatch-on-Stilts

The engine details are already available on the thread.
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Old 26th February 2014, 19:29   #428
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

Tata seems to be going aggressive with promotion of the new upcoming Zest. Came across following new campaign on Facebook. They are sponsoring the IIFA awards.

Tata is trying really hard to improve their image and connect with youth. Good going!
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On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-zest.jpg  

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Old 28th February 2014, 12:51   #429
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

Have media drives of the Zest and Bolt started? First Autocar India has a feature on the cars and now Hindu newspaper too has a feature.

What's surprising is that there is absolutely no mention of the safety features of the cars - ABS / Airbags etc and the reports concentrate on the improved design, fit and finish and drive of the cars.
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Old 28th February 2014, 14:14   #430
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

To me, the Bolt looks like a mix of Figo and the Indica Vista. I don't see it as a fresh design.
The Zest looks like a high- ground clearance vehicle. Should be suitable in places where the roads are bad (majority of India).

I don't know why they hired Ranveer Singh if they need to improve their image.
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Old 28th February 2014, 15:58   #431
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

Zest on test,
Quote:
Powering the new Zest is a new four pot 1.2-liter turbo petrol Revotron engine that has a max power of 85 PS @ 5,000 rpm and peak torque of 140 Nm @ 1,750-3,000 rpm. Powering the diesel variant is the tried and tested 1.3-liter Quadrajet common rail turbo diesel engine. This engine has a power of 90 PS @ 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm @ 1,750-3,000 rpm.

The diesel variant will come with F-Tronic 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission.
On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-tatazestsedanimageslaunch2_jpg_pagespeed_ce_bhv7g5qpas.jpg
On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-tatazestsedanimageslaunch1_jpg_pagespeed_ce_qyvrqekbci.jpg


http://www.motoroids.com/news/latest...-front-fascia/
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Old 1st March 2014, 01:52   #432
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

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Originally Posted by S_U_N View Post
I don't know why they hired Ranveer Singh if they need to improve their image.
Don't think they have, they just seem to be title sponsors at IIFA, and he seems to have some role at the event.
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Old 1st March 2014, 12:54   #433
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

Is this a new grill design or just a one off for the test mule? Would it be sold as an accessory?
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On the Tata Bolt Hatchback-grill-design.png  

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Old 1st March 2014, 13:16   #434
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Quote:
Originally Posted by damager21 View Post
Is this a new grill design or just a one off for the test mule? Would it be sold as an accessory?
Had read somewhere, perhaps on this forum itself, the production variants will be offered with the grill design shown in the test mule.
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Old 1st March 2014, 13:25   #435
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Re: Tata Falcon hatchback, compact saloon to debut at 2014 Auto Expo *EDIT* Now unvei

Is there any tentative date of launch that has been announced yet?
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