With 20 consecutive
appearances at the Geneva Motor Show, Tata Motors has been quite regular with
showcasing its best at the globally followed annual auto exposition. This year,
the company will unveil 4 new products at its 21st Geneva outing. These will
include the near-production 45X (codename - Aquilla), 45X EV, H7X concept and
Hornbill concept.
Among the most
important models from the Indian perspective will be the near-production
version of the Tata 45X, which will rival the likes of Maruti Baleno and
Hyundai Elite i20. The new hatchback, which is programmed to launch in the
local market in mid-2019, is the second recipient of the company's Impact
Design 2.0 theme. The highlight of B2-segmenter's cabin will be the
segment-largest touchscreen infotainment unit and a semi-digital speedo
console. The hatchback will likely feature a new 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated
motor with optional mild-hybrid tech and an optional dual-clutch automatic
transmission. A diesel engine option could be conspicuous by its absence as
BSVI emission norms are set to make oil-burners unfeasibly expensive for
affordable small cars.
The Tata 45X EV will showcase the
electrification capabilities of the Alfa-Arc platform. The third model in the
company's line-up for Geneva is the Tata Vision Hornbill micro-SUV concept,
which will preview the company's Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100 adversary.
The new model will share its Alfa-Arc architecture with the 45X and could get
the same 1.2-litre motor sans the micro-hybrid hardware. The production-spec model should debut at the
Auto Expo 2020.
Even the Tata H7X
concept will make its debut in Geneva. The H7X will be a three-row offering which will launch in the local
market in H2 2019. It will feature a 62 mm longer rear overhang and will be
sold under a different nameplate. Powering the new model will be a BSVI
compliant version of the 2.0-litre Kroytec oil-burner with a maximum power of
approximately 170 hp and a peak torque of 350 Nm. This engine will send drive
to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or a Hyundai-made 6-speed
torque converter automatic transmission.
Tata Motors will
even showcase the Harrier at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The C-SUV, which has
been available in India in a price range of INR 12.69 lakh-16.25 lakh
(ex-showroom, New Delhi), will be displayed to the European show-goers to gauge
the public interest in the company's latest SUV.