As a part of the plan of launching new models by 2020, Tata Motors is actively working on its all-new micro SUV codenamed Tata X451. The so called micro SUV will enter into production in 2017-18 and when launched it will go against the only car of the segment till now, Mahindra KUV100. However, the another vehicle of this segment Maruti Suzuki Ignis is also expected to launch by this festive season.
Earlier a report suggested that Tata motors was working on new hatchback codenamed Tata X451. But that model was an all-new micro SUV, not a premium hatchback, confirmed LiveMint.
The idea of this new micro SUV was first formulated in 2013 under the project named ‘Dolphin’. After the successful launch of its premium hatchback Tiago, now the company has put the development of project Dolphin (model codenamed X451) on a fast track and will begin its production in 2017-18.
Having a look at Tata Motors Tiago sales record, the company has been selling more than 3,000 units per month of its premium hatchback since its launch in April this year. Coming back to micro SUV, based on company’s AMP (Advanced Modular platform), the initial plan is to produce 25,000 - 30,000 units per annum.
The more of a car and slightly less to be called SUV, the upcoming Tata micro SUV will mainly target the ‘urban youth’ and will affect the sales of compact SUVs as well as the premium hatchbacks.
About its powertrain, this micro SUV is expected to get the same underhood specifications as the Tata Bolt and Zest have.
Besides this micro SUV, the other upcoming models from Tata Motors are Tiago-based compact sedan (Codenamed Kite 5), the Hexa MPV and the Nexon compact SUV.
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