It might be an Indian brand head-quartered in Pune, but Geneva in Switzerland is where Tata Motors actually comes to life. Famous for its cool, funky and, at times, ugly concepts displayed at the annual automotive event, Tata Motors is also notorious for never letting us see many of those concepts ever again, let alone turning them into production models. Despite that, one concept that Tata had at the 2015 edition of the Geneva Auto Salon continue to stir our collective brains. And that, folks, is this Bolt Sport Concept.
As the name indicates, the Bolt Sport is a more powerful and sportier variant of the Bolt hatchback that was launched in India earlier this year. And boy, does it look hot!
Wearing what Tata calls a 'Fire Engine Red' paint and embellished with a host of visual add-ons, the Bolt Sport looks incredibly sporty. Setting it apart from the regular Bolt are sharper bumpers, a large air dam, side skirts, roof rails, 17-inch six split-spoke alloy wheels, rear diffuser, spoiler and dual chrome-tipped exhaust tips. Overall, the Bolt Sport looks a proper 'hot hatch', one that wouldn't look out of place standing next to cars like Polo GTI, Fiesta RS and Swift Sport in an European parking lot. An all-black interior with red highlights, black upholstery with contrasting red stitching and sporty pedals are the changes inside. There is even a sunroof for added appeal!
Changes are not just skin deep, mind you. Tata Motors is serious about the performance credentials of the Bolt Sport and the car gets a larger turbocharger, a remapped ECU and a high-flow exhaust system that allows the 1.2-liter REVOTRON petrol engine to generate more power and torque. With a maximum power output of 120 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 170 Nm between 2000 to 3500 rpm, the Bolt Sport sure has the go to match the show. With three driving modes to choose from, the car should be a hoot to drive around! Altered gear ratios aiding better throttle responses, a sport-tuned suspension system, lower ride height and front and rear disc brakes with high-performance brake pads complete the technical makeover.
What makes it all the more interesting for us is the news circulating in the media that Tata Motors is looking to launch a performance sub-brand to change its image and positioning. If that's indeed the case, the Bolt Sport would be a perfect fit to spearhead the launch of the new sub-brand. Having seen the strides made by Tata with the Zest and Bolt, we just can't wait to lay our hands on this hot hatch. Now, please Tata, don't make us wait for ages to get, set, Bolt Sport!
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