To be based on the AMP.
Indian Autos Blog's Shoeb Kalania has created a digital mockup of the Tata X451 (codename) ahead of its launch in financial year 2017-18. The rendering here previews a premium hatchback that will rival the likes of the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20, VW Polo and Honda Jazz.
However, one report says that the X451 will be a hatchback with crossover-derived styling cues. Either way, we expect the proportions of the product to be along the lines of a premium hatchback. The design work of the X451 could be a collaboration of Tata's three design centers (located in India, Italy and U.K.) with styling cues borrowed from the forthcoming Tata Nexon.
The Tata X451 will be based on the Advanced Modular Platform (AMP). Reports state that this platform will also be used for developing a mid-size sedan that will compete with the Honda City, Maruti Ciaz and VW Vento.
Under the hood, the X451 is anticipated to use four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The four-cylinder petrol is expected to be based on the new all-aluminium Revotron engine family and could come with an automatic or automated manual transmission (AMT). The diesel engine could be shared with the Nexon, and develop around 110 PS with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
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Prototypes of the X451 are expected to start testing towards the later part of this calendar year. Tata's immediate plans include launching the Tata Hexa, Tata Kite 5 compact sedan and Tata Nexon compact SUV.