Tata showcased its new i20-rivalling premium hatchback in near-production concept form at the 2018 Auto Expo. The car is codenamed 45X and here’s what you need to know.
It’s based on a new platform
The car is built on Tata’s new AMP (Advanced Modular Platform). The company will also show an upcoming mid-size sedan, built on the same platform, at the Geneva motor show. An evolved version of the company’s Impact design language will feature on this car. The Nexon followed its concept’s design quite closely, so you can expect the production-spec 45X to not be too far removed from the concept.
The insides are a bit of a mystery
The 45X at the Auto Expo didn’t give us a glimpse of the car’s cabin. The hatchback’s interior will be designed to be clutter-free and focus on practicality and connectivity.
Expect to find the Revotron and Revotorq engines
Expect uprated versions of the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol and 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel motors. The Nexon’s 110hp engine seems likely to feature. As for the transmission, the Nexon’s six-speed manual is expected, but Tata could also introduce a twin-clutch automatic.
It’s got the i20 in its sights
The production 45X will take on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, and Honda Jazz. Typical of Tata, expect pricing to undercut its rivals.
It’s going to be here soon
The company’s new, premium hatchback is expected to go on sale in 2019. We’ll know more about the car as we get closer to its launch.
