Tata Nexon (Osprey) compact SUV shows its ground clearance - Spied

15/12/2015 - 10:34 Tata Nexon, Tata Osprey, Tata Motors, Spy pictures Anjan Ravi

Production version expected at Auto Expo 2016.

The Tata Nexon-based production compact SUV was snapped testing on the Pune highway by GaadiWaadi. The publication states the prototype was a diesel variant, and that the codename 'Tata X104' is etched on the rear axle.

Tata Nexon Tata Osprey side spied — The Tata X104 is based on the Vista's X1 platform.

According to reports, the compact SUV project is called 'Osprey', and Tata is expected to reveal the production version at the forthcoming Auto Expo 2016 in February, exactly 24 months after showing the Nexon concept.

Based on the Vista's X1 platform, the Tata Osprey will duck under the 4 meter length, pitting it against the Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV300 and the upcoming Maruti YBA (Maruti Vitara Brezza). These spyshots reveal a ground clearance of at least about 180-190 mm, a specification which goes appreciated by target customers. Tata could also choose to mount the spare wheel on the bootlid, giving the Osprey a rugged appearance.

Tata Nexon Tata Osprey rear spied — The compact SUV is expected to be powered by four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

Under the hood, the Nexon-based compact SUV is reported to pack four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The four-cylinder petrol engine is expected to be based on the new Revotron all-aluminium engine family, whereas the diesel engine could be Fiat's MultiJet unit, or an all-new self-developed 'Revotorq' engine.

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With an unveil at the Auto Expo 2016, a market launch could take place by the second half of 2016. Prices for the Tata Nexon compact SUV are estimated to begin from INR 5 lakhs, ex-Showroom.