- The Tata 45X-based hatchback gets Harrier-like tail lights
- On the inside, a floating touchscreen is seen with a modern instrument cluster.
- Expected to be revealed by the middle of next year.
After the Harrier – which is derived from the H5X concept – it is now time for the 45X Concept from the Auto Expo to make a statement. The new B+ segment hatchback will arrive by mid-2019 to rival against the likes of Elite i20, Baleno, Polo and Jazz. The prototypes of the 45X have been spotted on many occasions, hiding its production-ready body already. So let us take a look at the new details revealed from all the spied pictures of the upcoming 45X.
Unlike the Harrier (which uses Omega platform based on LR’s D8 architecture), this yet-to-be-named premium hatchback is based on the newly-developed ALPHA platform. But the 45X hatchback makes use of the new Impact 2.0 design philosophy just like the Harrier.
The production-ready headlamps under the camo appear to be thick and imposing. They appear to bear a design similar to one on the Corolla Altis. However, the nose, with its Tiago-like grille, inches ahead of the headlamps with high-mounted large fog lamps and an aggressively designed front bumper. The rear door handles have been placed on the C-pillar, similar to the new Maruti Swift.
At the rear, the 45X carries Harrier like tail lights. The sharp LED unit runs across the rear tailgate of the hatchback as seen on the SUV. The bold looking rear is complete with a raked rear windscreen. In terms of size, the 45X is visually bigger than the Tiago with a dimension similar to the segment leader – the Baleno.
On the inside, the test mule revealed a floating touchscreen display which is again shared with the Harrier. In the production guise, the hatchback will surely get all the bells and whistles expected from the B+ segment in today’s market. The modern cabin will be well laid out with good quality materials. According to reports, the 45X hatchback will be one of the most feature-laden vehicles in its segment with features such as rain sensing wipers and auto headlamps.
Under the sharp-looking hood is reportedly the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol or the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel which powers the Nexon. The transmission options are expected to be a standard manual with the choice of an automatic.
When launched by the middle of next year, the 45X-based hatch is likely to be priced on par with its rivals so the price tag should be around Rs 7-8 lakhs. Followed by the market debut of the Harrier, the 45X will be slotted into the demanding B+ segment So Tata will need to do their homework well before introducing the 45X in the country.
