Tata X45X (Maruti Baleno rival) & H5X (Hyundai Creta rival) launch timelines revealed by CEO

Tata Motors will showcase the X45X premium hatchback and H5X compact SUV at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo, which will kick off from 8 AM tomorrow. Ahead of the two major unveils, the CEO of Tata Motors, Mr. Guenter Butschek has revealed that the market launch of both these cars will happen only in 2019. The SUV will arrive first, followed by the hatchback in the later part of 2019. Other key takeaways include the fact that the platforms of both cars will be electrification ready, and also capable of meeting BS6 emission norms.

The X45X premium hatchback, which will be revealed tomorrow in concept guise, will showcase Tata Motors’ new design philosophy called Impact 2.0. To be sharply styled, and with premium interiors, the car will be the most expensive hatchback in Tata Motors’ line-up.

However, in terms of pricing, we can expect Tata to make sure that the X45X undercuts both the Maruti Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20. The new hatchback will share its petrol and diesel engines with the Tiago but with boost outputs. Expect class leading features, space and also Tata Motors’ multi-drive modes to be offered on this car.

Coming to the H5X, the SUV will seat five and will take on the Hyundai Creta, as Tata Motors’ first offering in the compact SUV segment. The H5X will use Land Rover’s LS550 platform that also underpins the Discovery Sport SUV. However, this platform will be suitably modified to reduce costs and make the H5X price competitive.

However, most good bits of the platform will be retained to make the H5X a well-rounded offering. It’ll use a 2 liter turbocharged diesel engine, borrowed from the Jeep Compass, but in a lower state of tune – 140 Bhp-320 Nm. 6 speed manual and 9 speed automatic transmissions are likely, and so is a 4X4 option.

Via HormazdSorabjee