The production Tata 45X
(name TBA) is a pillar to Tata Motors’ new premium model offensive. Team-BHP
forum member Jeepster has shared spy shots of a Tata 45X test mule on public
roads.
The Tata 45X will have substantial changes from the
concept version that debuted at Auto Expo 2018. Pratap Bose, Head of Design,
Tata Motors had said at the biennial auto show that compared to the Tata H5X
concept, the Tata 45X concept is a little further from production.
A reason behind the Tata 45X concept’s captivating
design was that it was unrestricted from dimensional regulations. It was 4.3
metres long. Tata Motors will have to trim the body so that it qualifies as a
compact car for lower GST.
The production Tata 45X won’t feature the extremely
large alloy wheels, split rear spoiler and other fancies seen on the concept
version. However, it will carry signature elements of the IMPACT Design 2.0
design language, such as robust proportions, a very three-dimensional Humanity Line,
Tri-Arrow pattern, strong fender volumes, wheels in segment-leading size and
more.
While the Tata Harrier is the first model
underpinned by a modified version of the Jaguar Land Rover’s D8 platform, the
Tata 45X will ride on a newly developed ‘Advanced Modular Platform’ that
recently came to be known as the Tata Alfa platform. Tata Motors could offer it
with the Tata Nexon’s 1.2-litre Revotron and 1.5-litre Revotorq petrol engines
and 6-speed manual and 6-speed automated manual transmissions.
The Tata 45X will arrive during the festive season
next year at an expected starting price of INR 6 lakhs (ex-showroom). It will
compete with the facelifted Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20 and the Honda Jazz. A
sedan version of the 45X is said to follow towards the end of the decade.
