Guenter Butschek: Tata 45X (Tata Aquilla) arriving “in some six months”

Following the Harrier, the next major launch Tata Motors has planned for 2019 is the 45X (Aquilla/X451). CEO and Managing Director Guenter Butschek reaffirmed today that it’s arriving in mid-2019.

Speaking to the media at the Tata Harrier launch event today, Butschek said: “Today it was the Harrier, in some six months, it’s gonna be the first architecture-leading product on the Alfa architecture.” “For the ones who might recall colours, the golden vehicle which we showed as a concept car, again, at the (2018 Delhi) auto show, sitting in a glass cube, it’s also going to hit Indian roads on short notice,” he added.

Tata Motors is already testing prototypes of the 45X with production body on the public roads. Like the Harrier, the sub-compact hatchback will feature an outlandish exterior, thanks to the IMPACT 2.0 design language. Spy shots have shown the production car flaunting super-sleek front and rear lights, strong proportions and 16-inch four-twin spoke alloy wheels and a Tata Harrier-like semi-digital instrument cluster.

The Tata 45X will sit on a newly developed platform called ‘Advanced Modular Platform’, which is also referred to as ‘Alfa-Arc’. Rumour has it that this hatchback will feature a first-in-segment mild-hybrid system (optional). It is said to debut an all-new 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine and an optional twin-clutch automatic transmission as well. The Tata Nexon’s 1.5-litre diesel engine is expected in this supermini.

Also Read: Tata Hornbill Concept to debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show

The Tata 45X will replace the Tata Bolt and compete with the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz in India.