Tata 45X spotted with production-ready body

-    The 45X Concept-based model will be a premium hatchback in the leagues of the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20.

-    Expected to be revealed by the middle of next year. 

-    Will be based on the ALPHA platform and carry the new design language seen on the upcoming Harrier. 

Tata Motors showcased the gorgeous looking H5X and 45X concepts at the 2018 Auto Expo. The former has been officially named as the Harrier and we have already seen it in pictures ahead of the official debut which will happen in early 2019. Meanwhile, the 45X prototypes have been spotted on many occasions before, but now the hatchback was seen hiding its production-ready body under the camouflage at a fuel pump in Coimbatore. 

The yet-to-be-named premium hatchback will be based on the new advanced modular platform (ALPHA) that has been developed by Tata Motors. It will also make use of the IMPACT 2.0 design philosophy as the Harrier. Judging by the concept and test mules spotted already, we can guess that the hatchback will get a modern design with large wheels and prominent wheel arches. There will be the honey-mesh grille up front and we can expect a Tiago-like fascia rather than a Nexon-like one. We assume the hatchback will be another good looking car from Tata’s stable. In terms of size, the 45X is visually longer than the Tiago with a dimension similar to the segment leader – the Baleno. 

On the inside, it will have a floating touchscreen display with smartphone connectivity and all the features expected from the B+ segment in today’s market. The modern cabin will also be well laid out and laden with good quality materials, which is a big leap from Tatas of yesteryear. It will also be one of the most feature-laden vehicles in its segment. 

Powering the new 45X-based hatchback will be the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol or the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel which is found under the hood of the Nexon. The transmission options would be a standard manual with a choice of automatic. 

When launched by the middle of next year, the 45X-based hatch will be slotted into the demanding B+ segment which is currently populated by the Hyundai Elite i20, Maruti Baleno and Honda Jazz. Prices are expected to remain on par with its rivals so the price tag should be around Rs 7-8 lakhs.

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