Tata X445 is expected to go on sale in 2021 to compete against Mahindra KUV100, Maruti Suzuki Y1K and Hyundai’s micro SUV
In an aggressive strategy to expand its presence in the segments, it hasn’t been competed in, Tata Motors is lining up a slew of new launches based on new platforms and design language. The Harrier SUV will be launched early next year and it will be followed by the production version of 45X concept to compete against Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20.
The upcoming vehicles will either be based on ALPHA or OMEGA platform. The former will address models of up to 4.3 m length while the latter will spawn vehicles above the said dimension – essentially premium in nature. Tata could be developing a City/Ciaz rival for the near future as well but a potential volume grabber is expected to be a micro SUV codenamed X445.
Despite Mahindra KUV100 becoming an early entrant into the segment, it has not been able to spark magic into the hearts of customers. With Maruti Suzuki breaking covers off Concept Future S at 2018 Auto Expo, its intentions to step into space became clear, and expectedly it won’t be the only one to do so with Hyundai and Tata believed to be in the hunt.
The X445 could carry the Hornbill nameplate and it will be based on the ALPHA platform that also underpins X451 premium hatchback and its sedan version. Chances of Tata’s micro SUV sharing mechanicals with Tiago are high as the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol and 1.05-litre Revotorq diesel will likely be at the helm of propulsion.
It will act as an upgrade to the hatchback buyers in an affordable price range but with an appreciable equipment list. Although the Indian auto industry is growing across different price ranges, the dependence on small cars for volume sales remains as over one million hatchbacks are sold every year.
The Tata Hornbill may come equipped with premium features like a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse parking camera and Harman audio. It will also have several standard safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reversing sensors, seatbelt reminder, speed warning system, etc. It could feature high ground clearance to compound its possible bold styling.