After showcasing the Nexon at prior editions of the Auto Expo and launching it in a production form which is almost identical, one thing’s for sure, Tata Motors is one of those rare manufacturers whose striking concepts aren’t just that. This year is special though. Because at the Auto Expo 2018, Tata Motors will revisit its roots with two new premium SUVs and balance their modern car maker image with a new premium hatchback/sedan and more powerful variants of the Tiago and Tigor. Here’s what we can expect from Tata Motors at the Auto Expo 2018.
Tata Q501 and Q502 SUVs
Two brand new products which have been under development for quite some time now, the Tata Q501 and Q502 SUVs will finally show up at the Auto Expo 2018. Said to arrive in five-seater and seven-seater configurations respectively, both these SUVs are based on the Land Rover L550 platform, which is also the base for the Discovery Sport. Although structural bits will be shared, both products will be very different in terms of look and feel. The 5-seater SUV will challenge the likes of the Creta, whereas, the 7-seater will go up against more premium competition like the Jeep Compass among others, with the advantage of two additional seats.
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Under the hood of both these products, Tata Motors will employ Fiat’s 2.0-litre Multijet II engine, which also propels the Jeep Compass currently and is manufactured at Tata-FCA’s joint venture facility at Ranjangaon, near Pune. Under the 5-seater’s hood, the motor will most likely develop 140 horses, that number going up to 170 hp under the 7-seater’s hood. Tata is said to have already earmarked 70,000 units of these new motors for their future SUV onslaught. According to the report, both these SUVs could be offered with two-wheel as well as all-wheel drive options. Both products could benefit from an even more advanced terrain management system than the one on the Hexa, will boast of a well-appointed cabin with modern features, and a kick-ass sound system if the units in all their new cars are an indication.
Tata X451 Premium Hatchback/Sedan
To be built at the company’s Sanand factory in Gujarat, this Tata X451 hatchback is said to enter production in early 2019. The premium hatchback will rival the likes of the Hyundai i20, the Maruti Baleno, and will be built on an all-new Advanced Modular Platform. Apparently, the new architecture will also act as a base for Tata’s upcoming small cars. While the X451 premium hatchback will be the first to be underpinned by the AMP platform, Tata also has plans to roll out a City/Verna/Ciaz rivalling sedan, an MPV, and a new SUV, all sharing the same architecture. The new car will be much bigger and wider than the Tiago, however, its actual length will stay under the 4-metre mark.
Petrol variants of this new car are expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor. The turbocharged version which currently propels the Nexon could be introduced under the new hatchback’s hood a little while after launch. Diesel variants are expected to be powered by the 1.05-litre, 3-cylinder motor which powers the Tiago, albeit, equipped with a VGT for higher power output. Tata’s new 1.5-litre diesel mill which powers the Nexon could also be a contender, considering the premium positioning of the car.
Tata Tiago Sport
A go-fast version of the Tata Tiago is said to go on sale, shortly after being displayed at the upcoming 2018 Auto Expo. It is being said that the Tata Tiago Sport will be powered by the 110 PS, turbocharged, 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine which does duty under the Nexon’s hood. What could also be carried over from the compact SUV is the 6-speed manual gearbox, however, a 5-speed box is also said to be under consideration. Expect fat rubber wrapped on sporty wheels, extensions to the bodywork and a few other visual details to confirm the hatchback’s go fast intent visually. On the inside, expect cosmetic bits like sporty pedals, inputs in the upholstery and on the centre console to highlight the Tiago Sport’s hot hatch credentials.
Tata Tigor Diesel ‘S’
For the way it looks, a 1.2-litre engine doesn’t really justify the Tigor’s sweptback appeal. So like us, fans of this good-looking Tata would be happy to know that a Tigor Diesel ‘S’ is said to be in the works and should grace one of the stands at Tata’s Pavillion at the Expo. To match the compact sedan’s fantastic looks, a more powerful 1.5-litre four potter which currently powers the Nexon could be bolted under the Tigor’s hood. Expect upsized rubber and some tweaks to the suspension which will help the car manage the additional power efficiently.
Tata Nexon AMT
The Tata Nexon will go on to become the first compact SUV to be offered with an AMT on both its petrol and diesel-powered options. To be offered in the XZA variant, the Nexon AMT could be made available at showrooms as early as March 2018. Until now, it is only the Ecospport which comes with the option of a petrol automatic, while on the other hand, it is the TUV300 which will let you enjoy the convenience of a diesel AMT.
Tata Tigor Electric / Nano Electric
Already in production, some units of the Tata Tiago electric have already been delivered to state-run Energy Efficiency Service Limited as a part of the Government’s order. The Tigor EV is a full electric, zero-emission car and comes equipped with a single speed, automatic transmission. The electric drive systems for the Tigor EV is developed and supplied by Electra EV – a company established to develop and supply electric drive systems for the automotive sector. Tata will also look to resuscitate brand Nano by introducing an electric variant which will make the most of the Government’s push for electric vehicles.
Tamo Racemo
Tata’s take on what a modern sports car should be, the Tamo Racemo and its gullwing doors will surely be a crowd puller at the Auto Expo 2018. It has already featured in a video game, features ground-breaking interiors, construction and has the go for all that show. There were strong rumours about the Racemo project being shelved as a part of an internal restructuring, but an official from Tata had clarified that those rumours were just that. Expect some robust news about the development plans of this two-seater at the Expo.
Autonomous Tata Hexa
Alongside a Range Rover Sport and a Ford Mondeo, an unlikely car in the form of the Tata Hexa has been testing itself without a driver in the UK. The trial runs have been not only focusing on the autonomous technology but also for tests of Emergency Vehicle Warning which will detect signals from emergency vehicles in order to make way for them. Another test includes the Intersection Priority Management which decides on which connected self-driving car will cross the intersection first. At the Expo, Tata could showcase their advancements in the driverless arena with a demo area perhaps.
Apart from this long list of new vehicles, Tata Motors could showcase some striking new concepts which will definitely enter production in the near future and could even make an announcement about injecting life into brand ‘Safari’. We’ll be there to bring you all the details and news from their space at the Expo in February. Stay Tuned!