Tata 45X (Tata Aquilla) spotted on test on the Nilgiri mountains

19/11/2018 - 12:59 Tata 45X, Tata Motors, Spy pictures Sagar Parikh

An IAB reader has spotted a Tata 45X (Tata Aquilla/Tata X451) on test descending the Nilgiri mountains, close to Ooty. The new B-segment hatchback reaches showrooms in August next year.

Tata 45x Tata Aquilla Rearr Three Quarters Spy Sho — Tata Motors will offer the 45X hatchback with a mild-hybrid system - a first-in-segment feature.

The Tata 45X is the brand’s second model to embody the IMPACT 2.0 design philosophy after the Tata Harrier. The production car is notably smaller, with a body over 250 mm shorter in length, and far less dramatic. It does feature sleek lighting, steeply rising belt line and a sloping roofline like the concept model, though. There are conventional door handles in place of flush door handles at the front, and at the rear, there are pillar-mounted door handles for a sporty flair.

Underpinning the Tata 45X is the company’s all-new Advanced Modular Platform (AMP), also called Alfa-Arc platform. It will come with an all-new, BSVI-compliant 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine as well as a diesel engine, likely a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit. Rumour has it that the all-new premium hatchback debuts a new mild-hybrid system and this fuel-sipping tech is said to come as an option.

As for the transmissions, the standard fitment may include a 5-speed manual unit in the petrol engine model and a 6-speed unit in the diesel engine model. A new twin-clutch automatic transmission is under development reportedly.

Tata 45x Tata Aquilla Rear Three Quarters Left Sid — Upper-B segment hatchbacks Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20 and the VW Polo, all due for significant look & mechanical changes in 2019 or 2020, are on the Aquilla's crosshair.

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The Tata 45X will arrive as a replacement for the slow-selling Tata Bolt, and whether the predecessor then goes out of production or switches to commercial sales-only is a question. The Aquilla will compete with the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20 and prices may start between INR 5-5.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).