The upcoming car from Tata is a premium hatchback targeted against the Maruti Baleno.
Tata Motors has recently been testing their upcoming premium hatchback in India. The car is codenamed as Tata 45X. It was revealed in its concept form at the Auto Expo 2018. It has now been spied at a petrol station wearing a heavy disguise but the overall fit and finish of the vehicle suggests that it’s production ready.
The hatchback is designed by Tata Motors European Technical Centre PLC (TMETC), based in England. In terms of dimensions, the hatchback concept was 4253 mm long, 1850 mm wide and 1451 mm tall but the length of the production version will remain under 4000 mm.
The concept model is based on the advanced modular platform which is also known as Alfa. The 45X concept was showcased at the Auto Expo 2018 with a futuristic design language.
The Tata 45X will be a 5-door hatchback but for a premium profile, the rear door handles are placed near the C-pillar just like we have seen on the new Maruti Swift.
The overall design of the car is curvy and mostly devoid of any bold edges. The headlamps consist of projector light while the rear-end features LED lights. Top spec variant will get 5-spoke alloy wheels however, the lower variants will be equipped with steel wheels.
Personalisation options will also be available on the Tata 45X. The hatchback will be available in several interior colour themes. The quality of the interior components is expected to be better from its siblings as it will be a premium hatch.
The Tata 45X hatchback is expected to use a 1.2-litre petrol engine coupled with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The shift to hybrid performance is to increase the overall efficiency of the petrol engine.
The move to a mild-hybrid system is also due to the CAFE norms (corporate average fuel economy). A diesel engine variant is expected too in the near future. It is likely to be a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, currently powering the Tata Nexon.
The Tata 45X is expected to launch during the festive season of 2019. The new car will rival other popular premium hatchbacks like the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20. Tata 45X will be the successor of Tata Bolt and is likely to occupy the price range upwards of Rs. 5.5 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Tata 45X Hatchback
– A premium hatchback from Tata to rival the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20
– Expected to come loaded with features and better build quality
– It will feature a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system
Source – Team-BHP.com
