Tata’s upcoming compact SUV will feature an Evoque inspired design language with the power coming from an all-new 1.5-litre diesel engine.
Making some sharp changes in appearance and technology on its vehicles, Tata Motors’ upcoming compact SUV is expected to hit the market next year and has been codenamed ‘X104’. However, what makes the news interesting is the fact that Tata will be styling the upcoming SUV to look like a mini Range Rover Evoque. Owner of the iconic Land Rover brand, the Indian auto giant very well understands the popularity of the Evoque globally and the value addition a similar design language will bring on the X104.
Tata Motors is very aggressive about the Evoque inspired design and is aiming for the sharp and sleek on the X104, much like the premium SUV. This has also resulted in the automaker to sacrifice a bit of the rear space in the interest of that sleek look. Tata had showcased the Nexon compact SUV concept at the 2014 Auto Expo and suggested that the production version will be ready by 2016. The upcoming X104 is based on the heavily revised X1 platform that also underpins the new Zest and Bolt models.
Tata is carrying over certain mechanical bits including the steering and suspension set-up, whereas the X104 will be riding on 17-inch alloy wheels for a brawny appeal. In terms of powertrain, the X104 will come equipped with a newly developed 1.5-litre diesel engine under the hood that has been tuned to produce 110 HP of power, paired to a new 6-speed manual gearbox. Competing against the Ford EcoSport in the segment, it is suggested that Tata’s new diesel engine will be economical than the TDCi unit powering the Ford, despite the additional power and torque.
There is also a homegrown 1.2-litre 3-cylinder, all-aluminium, petrol engine in the works that will be tuned to develop 75 HP of power on the X104 compact SUV and has been designed to offer superior levels of NVH and refinement. Tata is trying to target the owner driven compact SUV segment very effectively with an ultra-stylish SUV that will come feature loaded, while prices will undercut the EcoSport by a healthy margin in the segment.
Source – Autocar