Tata Motors commenced the road testing of the
production-spec Tata 45X this year. The new model has been spied by a reader of Autocar India. The production-spec model won't be longer than 4,000 mm. The unusually
large dimensions of the concept were to showcase the upper limit of the
company's Advanced Modular Platform, also known as Alfa.
The premium hatchback features a steeply raked
roofline that tapers dramatically towards the rear, with 3D effect taillamps.
It rides on large-diameter five-spoke alloy wheels, and the outside rearview
mirrors look bigger than the ones on the Tiago and the Nexon. The tailgate
features a similar kink to the one on the concept. The rear door handles of the
premium hatchback will be hidden away in the C-pillar for a cleaner profile.
The Tata 45X will be sold in a variety of interior
colour options and will be built of high-quality materials to “enhance the
perception of tactile quality.” Furthermore, the Maruti Baleno-adversary should
offer many personalisation options.
Powering the Tata 45X could be a new 1.2-litre
petrol engine and the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engines from Nexon. That said,
with a slump in demand for diesel cars and the high cost of the exhaust
treatment technologies required for BSVI-compliance, the diesel variant demand could
slide further. Tata Motors could offer a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for
optimising the performance & fuel efficiency of the petrol engine while
meeting CAFE norms in 2022.
The Tata Aquilla will launch during the festive
period of 2019. Prices are expected to start at INR 5.5 lakhs, and the Bolt's
successor will lock horns with the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, and Kia's
upcoming premium hatchback.
