Tata 45X Hatchback (Maruti Baleno Rival) Named Altroz; Launch By Mid-2019

The series production version of the Tata 45X concept-based hatchback will make its world debut in March 2019

• World debut to be held in Switzerland at the Geneva Motor Show. 
• India launch will happen by mid-2019.
• Will rival Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, Volkswagen Polo and Honda Jazz.
• Underpinned by the all-new, inhouse-developed ALFA-ARC platform. 
• Likely to share powertrains with Tata Nexon.

The 45X Concept-based premium Tata hatchback, which is set for its official unveil in March, will be known as Altroz. The Tata Altroz will be launched in India by mid-2019. The Indian carmaker says the name Altroz is inspired from the Albatross, an 'agile seabird'.  

The Altroz will be a premium hatchback, positioned above the Tiago in Tata’s portfolio. It is based on a new platform -- ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) ARC -- indigenously developed by Tata. It will be the first car based on this platform.

Pictured:Tata 45X concept 

Being a sub-4m offering, it safe to assume that the 45X-based hatchback would borrow its powertrains from the Nexon and the Tiago/Tigor. So, Tata has three engine options to choose from its portfolio: two petrols and a diesel engine. The petrol-powered 45X could get Tata’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine from the Tiago or its turbocharged version that is offered with the Nexon. Tata promises 'best-in-class performance,' fortifying the fact that the Nexon's powertrain options will be on offer.

The diesel engine is likely to be the Nexon’s 1.5-litre unit. Since these engines are already available with an AMT (automated-manual transmission) option as well, it is safe to assume that the 45X will also offer the same apart from a manual transmission. Specifications of the engines are given in the table below.

Previously spied test mules suggest that the Altroz’ silhouette will be similar to the 45X Concept. The sharpy styled front and rear profiles of the concept appear to be intact in the series production model. Its cabin will be inspired by that of the Harrier and the Nexon, with a low-set and minimalistic dashboard design dominated by a free-floating display.

The Altroz is also expected to be more feature-rich than its competition. As per the spied test mules, the Altroz will have a segment-first analog+digital instrument cluster, similar to the one in the Harrier. Other expected features include a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 8-speaker Harman sound system and auto climate control. There are chances that it might even get a sunroof as an option.

Positioned above the Tiago, the Altroz is expected to be priced from around Rs 5.5 lakh to Rs 8.5 lakh and will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo.

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