Tata Motors set to launch six new cars in India.
Tata Altroz is likely to be the first model to launch out of six new cars.
It is expected to be rolled out by 2019 festive season.
Tata H2X, among other all-new Tata cars set for India launch.
Also, Tata will roll out several facelifts and BS6 versions of its existing models.
Tata Motors is planning to launch six new models in the country in the coming years. It launched Harrier earlier this year in January followed by some unveilings at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show that will soon hit production. Tata’s much-hyped premium hatchback, Altroz was one of the two models showcased at the motoring event. Multiple sightings in India confirm the Hyundai i20 and Maruti Baleno rival will soon be seen running on the roads. To build curiosity among customers and media alike, Tata will hold a special screening of the hatchback sometime in August, ahead of its expected launch in late September. It was first revealed here as a 45X concept at the 2018 Auto Expo in New Delhi.
Interestingly, Altroz is based on Tata’s evolved IMPACT 2.0 design theme and gets the company’s latest ALFA modular underpinnings that will form a base for several upcoming Tata cars. India will get Altroz in both petrol and diesel fuel options, deriving power from a 1.2-litre petrol unit good for 83 bhp, a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 100 bhp (derived from Nexon) and a 1.5-litre turbo motor making 88 bhp. These engines will come with a choice of five-speed and six-speed manual gearboxes initially, while automatic variants will be added later.
Read More: MG Hector vs Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass vs Mahindra XUV500 – Specification Comparison
A seven-seat version of the Tata Harrier (Tata Buzzard) is also in the making, which was unveiled alongside Altroz at Geneva in March. Codenamed H7X, it measures 62 mm longer than the current Harrier, to accommodate the additional row. Unveiled under the Buzzard moniker, it will carry a different nameplate in India and is likely to break covers by early 2020. Under the hood, it will get a BS6 compliant, 168 bhp, 2.0-litre oil burner supported by a standard six-speed manual unit. A six-speed automatic gearbox will be introduced at a later stage.
Knowing that stricter BS6 emission norms will be implemented next year, Tata Motors is working on a BS6 compliant version of Harrier that will be launched ahead of the April 1, 2020 deadline. The six-speed automatic gearbox will be added to the line-up around the same time. Also, expect the five-seat SUV to get a factory-fitted sunroof.
Interesting Read: Tata Harrier Automatic Version with Sunroof Spied Testing; To Launch Soon
Aside from the above models, a micro SUV codenamed Tata H2X (Hornbill) is also being readied for late 2020 launch. Tata could bring this model at Auto Expo 2020 in Delhi. Set to take on the likes of Mahindra KUV100 NXT and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Tata H2X is likely to share underpinnings with Altroz.
Facelifts of Tata Tiago and Tata Tigor are also in the pipeline. Both the models have been spotted undergoing tests several times. Changes will be done on these models in tandem with the upcoming pedestrian safety and crash test norms. Also, Tata will equip Tiago and Tigor with the updated 1.2-litre BS6 petrol unit, while the 1.05-litre oil burner will be ditched before the new emission norms come into force.
Another model which is set for an update is Tata’s sub-four-meter SUV, Nexon. The SUV is likely to undergo visual changes for a modish look. Interior is also expected to receive styling tweaks. Mechanically, there will be no change with the current turbo petrol and turbo diesel engines powering the facelifted model, albeit these units will be upgraded to abide by the BS6 standards.
The facelift will ensure Nexon fares well amid rivals including Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Mahindra XUV300 in the segment.