Tata's Maruti Baleno adversary continues testing; to launch in H2 2019

Along with the Tata Harrier, the production Tata 45X (name TBA) is a pillar to Tata Motors’ new premium model offensive. Team-BHP forum member Jeepster has shared spy shots of a Tata 45X test mule on public roads.

The Tata 45X will have substantial changes from the concept version that debuted at Auto Expo 2018. Pratap Bose, Head of Design, Tata Motors had said at the biennial auto show that compared to the Tata H5X concept, the Tata 45X concept is a little further from production.

A reason behind the Tata 45X concept’s captivating design was that it was unrestricted from dimensional regulations. It was 4.3 metres long. Tata Motors will have to trim the body so that it qualifies as a compact car for lower GST.

The production Tata 45X won’t feature the extremely large alloy wheels, split rear spoiler and other fancies seen on the concept version. However, it will carry signature elements of the IMPACT Design 2.0 design language, such as robust proportions, a very three-dimensional Humanity Line, Tri-Arrow pattern, strong fender volumes, wheels in segment-leading size and more.

While the Tata Harrier is the first model underpinned by a modified version of the Jaguar Land Rover’s D8 platform, the Tata 45X will ride on a newly developed ‘Advanced Modular Platform’ that recently came to be known as the Tata Alfa platform. Tata Motors could offer it with the Tata Nexon’s 1.2-litre Revotron and 1.5-litre Revotorq petrol engines and 6-speed manual and 6-speed automated manual transmissions.

Also See: Tata Harrier front-end - IAB Rendering

The Tata 45X will arrive during the festive season next year at an expected starting price of INR 6 lakhs (ex-showroom). It will compete with the facelifted Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20 and the Honda Jazz. A sedan version of the 45X is said to follow towards the end of the decade.

[Image Source: Team-BHP.com]