Tata's premium hatchback (codenamed: X451) spied

The news of Tata Motors working on a premium hatchback to rival the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20 first broke around 2 years ago. A prototype of this new hatchback (codenamed: X451) has been spotted on the road, giving us the first glimpse of the upcoming model.

The X451 is the first model to be based on the Tata's Advanced Modular Platform (AMP). The spy images indicate that the X451 has a Tiago-like profile, albeit in a slightly longer package. According to a media report, the overall length will still be under 4 meters. The prototype is sporting dummy headlights and is under heavy camouflage. At the rear, it has a steeply raked windshield with a rear wiper and integrated spoiler. Also, note the rear door handles which seem to be placed on the C-pillar.

The Tata X451 is rumoured to get the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine from the Tiago. It is likely to be offered in a higher state on tune. Tata might also offer the Nexon's turbocharged petrol engine on the X451. Another option will be the 1.05-litre, 3-cylinder diesel. But, unlike the Tiago, the diesel engine is rumoured to use a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT).

There has been no official word about the launch of this hatchback from Tata Motors, but the reports suggest that it could be launched in 2019.

Source: Autocar / Motorbeam