A near-production version of the Tata 45X has been spotted undergoing road tests by Cartoq. The market-ready version of the company's B2-segment contender, which has also been referred to as the Tata X451 and Tata Aquilla, will greet the audience of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show next month.
The Tata 45X will be the second production model to carry the company's IMPACT 2.0 design language that debuted on the Harrier. The new model will be significantly smaller than its concept whose larger-than-life proportions were a display of the flexibility of the Alpha Arc platform. The production-spec vehicle will miss out on the giant 20-inch wheels, grille-less front fascia, ultra-slim headlamps, split rear spoiler and several other outlandish details.
That said, it will retain the overall design theme and will feature a similar rising belt line and a raked roofline. Other known details of the new model include 4x2 alloy wheels, front quarter glass, pillar-mounted rear door handles, and licence plate housing on the rear bumper. On the inside, the new model will have more than a passing resemblance with the Tata Harrier. The highlight of the dashboard will be a floating-type touchscreen infotainment unit that will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The production-spec Tata 45X will be offered with a new 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine that will be available with the mild-hybrid technology. The new model is expected to provide a 1.5-litre oil-burner in BS4 guise. Transmission choices for the gasoline burner will likely include an optional dual-clutch automatic unit. The carmaker will also showcase an all-electric version in the concept format. The production-spec version will launch in 2021.
Also Read: Tata Harrier AT’s gearshift lever snapped
The launch of the Tata 45X will take place by August this year. The new model will rival the likes of the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, and Honda Jazz.
[Image Source - cartoq.com]
