Tata 45X (Tata Aquilla) spotted on test on the Nilgiri mountains

An IAB reader has spotted a Tata 45X (Tata Aquilla/Tata X451) on test descending the Nilgiri mountains, close to Ooty. The new B-segment hatchback reaches showrooms in August next year.

The Tata 45X is the brand’s second model to embody the IMPACT 2.0 design philosophy after the Tata Harrier. The production car is notably smaller, with a body over 250 mm shorter in length, and far less dramatic. It does feature sleek lighting, steeply rising belt line and a sloping roofline like the concept model, though. There are conventional door handles in place of flush door handles at the front, and at the rear, there are pillar-mounted door handles for a sporty flair.

Underpinning the Tata 45X is the company’s all-new Advanced Modular Platform (AMP), also called Alfa-Arc platform. It will come with an all-new, BSVI-compliant 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine as well as a diesel engine, likely a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit. Rumour has it that the all-new premium hatchback debuts a new mild-hybrid system and this fuel-sipping tech is said to come as an option.

As for the transmissions, the standard fitment may include a 5-speed manual unit in the petrol engine model and a 6-speed unit in the diesel engine model. A new twin-clutch automatic transmission is under development reportedly.

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The Tata 45X will arrive as a replacement for the slow-selling Tata Bolt, and whether the predecessor then goes out of production or switches to commercial sales-only is a question. The Aquilla will compete with the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20 and prices may start between INR 5-5.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).