The Bolt is available in hatchback and sedan and a choice of two specification levels, XMS and XT, with only R10,000 separating the two levels, because many features are already standard across the range.
This is the first important step in the Indian carmaker's strategy of launching new passenger vehicles and it slots into the most competitive sub-R160 000 slot in the local market. Competition in this segment is particularly tough with representatives from most strong brands pushing for market dominance.
Tata still has the weight of so-so quality to carry but now, for the first time, is has stronger cards to play than just affordability. Although it has only sold just over 60 000 vehicles since coming to South Africa 11 years ago it has big plans for the future, inter alia, a campaign to create wider local awareness for the brand and also to improve the quality of its after-sales service.
Key factors favouring the Bolt include competitive pricing, a choice of four variants, impressive standard equipment (particularly infotainment) and ride quality, all of which moves it closer to price-similar competitors from Europe, Korea and Japan.
I drove both versions at the media launch, and of the two, I prefer the hatch, which most South Africans will probably go for as well. Styling is easy on the eye, except for the small wheels (only 14-inch on the lower specced model) which are further emphasised by a high-ride body. Make-up include body-coloured side mirrors and door handles, LED indicating lights, high-mounted stop lights, shapely rear lights and a spoiler which adds a touch of sportiness which will appeal to younger buyers.
The quality of the cabin is a marked improvement on Tata cars of the past, although there still is a scattering of clack-clack plastic trim around. The spacious black interior of the Bolt seats five adults, with claimed class-leading legroom for the rear seat occupants and 210 litres of luggage space for the hatch and 360 litres for the sedan.
The layout and treatment of the instrument panel have attractive upmarket touches, no doubt thanks to the influence of the clever coats of the Jaguar/Land Rover stylish division in Coventry. Air-con is standard, as are power windows and mirrors, adjustable headrests, central locking as well as remote fuel and tailgate opening.
The star of the living quarters is the Hamman infotainment system (including a touchscreen on the XT) USB/iPOD connectivity, speed dependent volume control, multi-function steering wheel linked controls, Bluetooth connectivity and more.
The ride quality and the good cabin insulation add to the pleasure of the Bolt's ride. The electronically assisted and speed sensitive steering is noticeably sharper than on previous TATA cars. The Bolt feels stable on the trot. It is steady and easy to drive, even on our neglected roads, and predictable through the twisties, even when being hustled along.
Some of my fellow motoring scribes felt the engine was a touch lethargic but to me the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine's 66kW and 140Nm provide enough gallop, although this might change with four occupants and a full load of luggage aboard.
The five-speed manual gearbox transmits power to the front wheels and it is a good partner to the engine, even though the highest cog is designed more for frugal fuel consumption than keeping up a rapid pace. There are three different settings for engine response, Sport, Eco and City modes with Sport as the default setting.
Rich comfort features include climate control on the XT (aircon on the XMX), electric windows front and rear, electrically-adjustable exterior rear view mirrors and remote openers for the fuel flap and luggage compartment.
Safety features impressively include ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and a corner-braking feature as well as airbags for the driver and front passenger, speed-sensitive, automatic door locking and daytime running lights. Vehicle security include an alarm-immobiliser and remote central locking.
The models and pricing (including a five-year/100 00km warranty, a two-year/30 000km service plan and five-year roadside) are:
Bolt Hatch XMS - R132 995
Bolt Hatch XT R - R142 995
Bolt Sedan XMS - R142 995
Bolt Sedan XT R - R152 995
