Tata Motors showcased the 45X premium car in concept format at 2018 Auto Expo earlier this year. The model is currently on test and will be launched later next year, after the launch of Tata Harrier H5X SUV. Once officially launched in India, the Tata 45X will take on Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20 in India.
Tata 45X will be the company’s first product based on its brand new ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) architecture. This is a different platform, specially built for this new premium hatchback. The platform is different to what we have seen on Tiago, Tigor and Nexon. The new ALFA platform will also underpin the new Tata sedan which is in the making, a rival to Maruti Ciaz and Honda City.
The 45X hatchback marks the company’s entry into the premium hatchback segment and will sport an Impact 2.0 design language. Exterior design boasts of new headlamps and LED DRLs, radiator grille with chrome surrounds and several accents on bonnet and fenders.
The sides will be seen with ORVMs with turn indicators, body contours on door panels and new alloy wheels which will be offered on top end variants. New tail lamps at the rear, wide rear bumpers and integrated spoilers.
Spy shots of interiors reveal that the car will be spacious with plenty of head and leg room even in the passenger area. It gets a new instrument cluster with multi information display, height adjustable driver seat, an air cooled glove box, automatic climate controls with rear AC vents and power windows. The 45X interiors will also be seen with an infotainment system with touchscreen display which will again only be offered on top end variants.
Speaking about engine options, one can expect the Tata 45X to be powered by the same petrol and diesel engine options which are on offer with the Nexon. These are in the form of 1,198cc, three cylinder, petrol engine offering 110 PS power at 5,000 rpm and 170 Nm torque at 1,750-4,000 rpm. It also gets a 1,497cc, four cylinder, diesel engine capable of 110 PS power at 3,750 rpm and 260 Nm torque at 1,500-2,750 rpm mated to a 6 speed manual transmission sending power to front wheels.
No pricing details are revealed as on date but considering the Tata 45X will compete with the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20, pricing could be in the range of Rs 5-8 lakhs.