A heavily camouflaged test mule of the Tata 45X (Tata Aquilla) has been spotted on a highway, courtesy Team-BHP reader Amarpreet S. Chaudhary. One of its test mules was recently spotted near the manufacturing facility in Pune too. The Maruti Baleno rival in the making will reportedly launch in August 2019.
The Tata 45X is the second recipient of the company's IMPACT 2.0 design philosophy, which will be first seen on the Tata Harrier. While the production-spec hatchback is expected to borrow many design cues from the concept model that was displayed at the Auto Expo 2018, it will be significantly smaller, with the overall length being more than 250 mm shorter.
Developed in Coventry, UK, the 45X concept is 4,253 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,451 high, and has a wheelbase of 2,630 mm. It was made considerably larger than a typical B2-segment hatchback to showcase the flexibility of the new Alpha ARC platform.
While the production version isn't expected to look as radical as the concept, it will feature a steeply rising belt line and a raked roofline. The spy images reveal that the new model will feature stylish 4x2 alloy wheels, front quarter glass, pillar-mounted rear door handles, and licence plate housing on the rear bumper.
Powering the new model will be a BSVI-compliant 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine. The diesel engine option on offer could be a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit. It's being said that the company's Baleno rival will feature an optional mild-hybrid system. The petrol motor will come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, while the oil burner will be paired with a 6-speed manual unit. An automatic option could be offered in the form of a dual-clutch unit that is reportedly under development, if not the Magneti Marelli AMT from the Nexon could be employed.
Also Read - Tata Tiago XZ+ leaked online, Launch on 12 December - Report
The Tata 45X will be the logical successor to the Tata Bolt and a sedan body style (code: Tata X452) is also under development to take on the Maruti Ciaz and Honda City early next decade.
[Image source 1: zigwheels.com]
[Image Source 2: team-bhp.com]
