Tata EVision Concept is based on the new Omega electric platform; gets sporty styling cues from IMPACT Design 2.0 philosophy
Tata Motors have been on an aggressive strategy in recent years and are dropping in new products in succession. Paying dividend is the bestselling status the Tiago hatchback has attained since entering market and the change in brand perception leading to a fresh lineup of vehicles based on the Impact design philosophy.
With the Nexon SUV also getting good recognition among customers, the homegrown manufacturer cannot afford to rest on their laurels. And they are not, going by the latest turn of events. Tata took the centre stage at the 2018 Auto Expo and unveiled a couple of unprecedented concepts.
The H5X and 45X are eventually giving way to a premium SUV (with seven and five seat versions) and a premium hatchback rivalling Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20 respectively. The concepts have rendered us preview of the next generation Impact design language and are based on a whole new platform.
It’s been long said that the upcoming AMP (Advanced Modular Platform) will spawn a flagship sedan and at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, where Tata celebrate their 20th anniversary at the glamorous event, the new concept certainly previews its design.
Tata’s intention is to feature in all the volume segments they possibly could and the mid-size sedan space is of no exception. They currently have sedans up until Rs. 9 lakh (ex-showroom) and the next segment price-wise is the highly competitive one with the presence of Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna – all of them exchanging bestselling monthly sales status month-after-month.
It appears to be the next segment Tata focus at as the all-new sedan concept – christened the ‘EVision’ – is based on the Impact Design 2.0. Since we know details of the design philosophy and the concept is out in the open, we can witness evolution of the existing Impact styling with class-leading wheel sizes, strong fenders, 3D ‘Humanity Line’ and ‘Tri-Arrow’ pattern.
Complementing the bold yet smooth flowing exterior design as in the 45X is the ‘uncluttered’ cabin with roomy and airy ambience, clear and intuitive HMI (Human Machine Interface) displays, unique colour choices and adequate storage spaces. The clamshell shaped bonnet and sleek horizontal LED headlamps almost resemble the 45X concept along with sweeping front profile connecting the boot, heavily raked windshield, flared wheel arches and edgy character lines.
The existing 1.2-litre Revotron petrol and 1.5-litre Revotorq diesel engines from the Nexon could be used in the sedan in the same or slightly different tune as they are already powerful enough. We can expect six-speed manual and six-speed automatic to take their places in the transmission department.
The C-segment for sedans is getting all bunched up courtesy of the impending arrival of the Toyota Yaris. With Tata’s take on the flourishing space, despite the increase in appeal of SUVs and crossovers shooting up lately, we can predict the debut of the production model to be around late next year.
Another distinctive design factor is the coupe-ish roofline as Tata embarks to make another unconventional design indeed work in a similar fashion to the Tigor and Nexon. It could enter the market commercially after the debut of the road-going premium hatch and SUV based on the AMP platform sometime in 2020.
The Tata EVision concept’s exterior catches instant attention as it has a pronounced Humanity connecting the grille and headlamps. The compact grille and sleek LED headlamps complement the aggressive front bumper with a lip spoiler and under-body protection. An unique character line runs from top of the headlamps on either side till the rear.
Moreover, the side profile is as sharp in nature as the front end while the fastback styled roofline hints at a roomy interior. The B-pillar is blacekend and the white accents on the window border line, lower down the bumpers, wing mirror caps and sides further elevate the overall stance. The triple-tone dashboard has wooden finish in the middle and has a clean appearance hinting at possible autonomous functions.
Unlike initially expected, the Tata EVision concept is based on the flexible Omega platform, rather than the AMP, and offers electric powertrain adaptation. It is capable of doing zero to 100 kmph in under seven seconds and features fast charging capability, 200 kmph top speed and Advance Driver Assistance Systems.