45x Awesome

Beware premium hatchbacks, Tata’s 45X is on its way

TATA MOTORS’ NEW 45X CONCEPT is a nod at a future i20- and Balenorivalling hatchback from Tata Motors that is expected to be launched late next year. Like the H5X, the 45X too is based on Impact 2.0 and uses the Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture, which Pratap Bose, Tata’s design chief, says can vary from 3.8m to 4.3m in length and pull off quite a few silhouettes. The concept showcased at the Expo was 4.25m in length but Bose said the production car obviously won’t be that long.

Sleek headlamps, a futuristic bumper and a conspicuous ‘humanity’ line which links the lights and the grille create its distinctive look while a prominent shoulder line lends it character. The roof and the A-pillars blacked out for a sporty look and the B-pillar is concealed within glass, giving it a uniquely flush profile. The rear features a blacked-out roof spoiler, raked windshield and a neat character line that leads into the high-set tail lamps

Once put into production, it will be the first car to use Tata Motors’ Advanced Modular Platform (AMP), which will underpin a range of other cars including a sedan, MPV and even a crossover. Engine options are likely to be taken from Tata Motors’ existing range of powertrains, most likely the ones that power the Nexon.