Tata Motors’ hatchback Zica hit by `Zika’ before launch

Tata Motors today said it will rename its new hatchback Zica set for immediate launch, after the mosquito-borne virus `Zika' has been declared an international health emergency.

The Tata Group company wanted its new `Zippy Car' to be known also as `Zica', but would rather give it a new name now. The company said it would decide on a new name for the hatchback after a few weeks.

The car is due to be showcased in the biennial New Delhi motor show starting Wednesday (3 February).

Since the World Health Organization has said `Zika' is "spreading explosively" and could infect as many as 4 million people in the Americas, Tata Motors is now seeking an image makeover for its new hatchback, which has a similar sounding name.

Tata Motors, which owns the Jaguar and Land Rover brands, is struggling to dispel perceptions of cheapness since releasing its Nano cars seven years ago costing under $3,000.

The new hatchback `Zica' is being endorsed by soccer legend Lionel Messi.

The Zica looks attractive, comes with plenty of features that make it look like an expensive car. The Zica is also designed to tackle India's imperfect roads with ease and is an easy car to handle.

The petrol Zica (in Eco mode) gives an impressive 23.5kpl and the diesel is even more fuel-efficient and the car is also being aggressively priced. The base petrol model will be well under Rs4 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the diesel won't be any costly either.