Official Tata 45X Concept-Based Hatchback To Be Called Altroz

Update: Tata Motors has confirmed that the production version of the Tata 45X hatch will be called the Altroz. The name has been inspired by the 'Albatross' a great seabird inhabiting the southern oceans of the world. The Altroz will be showcased in its production form for the first time at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show

-Altroz to be the first product based on the new AlfaARC modular platform.

- 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, and 1.5-litre diesel expected to be borrowed from the Nexon.

- Digital driver display (LCD instrument cluster) will be on offer, along with features such as automatic climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system.

- Will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz.

 Aquila? Nope! Tata's all-new hatchback based on an all-new platform will sport a completely different name. The premium hatchback will be called the Tata Altroz, and will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. A name Tata says is inspired 'from an agile seabird that soars over miles with minimal efforts.' If we remember our age-old ornithology lessons, that's a play on 'Albatross', a bird that's known to have a massive wingspan and the ability to cross phenomenal distances without much effort. 

We're excited to see what the production-spec avatar of the 45X looks like. A plethora of spyshots point towards a typically Tata design with plenty of character. It's also expected to pack in a whole lot of features, including goodies such as a digital driver's display (just like the Harrier), automatic climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

Under the hood, the Tata Altroz is likely to feature two engines: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel. Yes, both of these engines will be borrowed from the Nexon. But, for the hatchback, it's likely to be detuned. There's no confirmation regarding the availability of an automatic variant, but we expect an AMT to be added to the lineup eventually. 

It's exciting times for Tata Motors as it plans to lock horns in a segment that's seen some serious action. Once the car is launched, it will go up against Maruti Suzuki's updated Baleno, the recently refreshed Honda Jazz, Hyundai's Elite i20 and the Volkswagen Polo. We expect prices to start around the Rs 5.5 lakh mark, and go all the way up to Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Prices are likely to be announced by June 2019.