Tata Motors sure knows how to get some buzz going around its upcoming X451 hatchback and H5 SUV, both of which will be unveiled in their entirety at Auto Expo 2018. The carmaker has released yet another set of teaser images of the two models today, giving an ever greater idea of what to expect. Stitching together all the images released so far, it’s easy to conclude the new Tatas will look very different to existing models. Tata Motors had already shared highlights of its new Impact Design 2.0 design approach and you can see how the design language will be implemented on the new models.
The Hyundai i20 and Maruti Baleno-rivaling X451 hatchback, that will be first product to be built on Tata’s new AMP platform, promises standout looks. The images, which are design illustrations, show strong surfacing and many light-catching features. What the images make clear is a strong ridge on the side that flows down from the A-pillar and then kinks back upwards as it extends to the rear. There also appears to be a darkened and upswept style element under the side windows, as well as prominent contrast colour skirts at the base of the doors. Tata Motors had revealed cars from Impact Design 2.0 will have segment-leading wheel sizes and the latest image, that shows a section of the rear for the first time, reveals as much. The concept to be shown at Auto Expo could feature 17-inch or even larger wheels, though it will be interesting to see what the production models get. The latest image also shows the X451’s well defined wheel arches, sharply cut rear doors, sharp rear windscreen rake and a blackened-out roof spoiler which will lead on from the contrast roof. A character line that leads into the high set tail lamps can be seen for the first time too.
Today’s teasers also give us our clearest idea of what the H5 SUV will look like too. The images show an SUV with a bold face characterized by a chunky clamshell-like bonnet and slim high set headlights which could possibly be LED units. The bumper will also be highly stylized with the fog-lamp enclosure featuring what Tata has referred to a ‘tri-arrow’ pattern. Light catching lines will be used to full effect on the H5’s sides too, and there will be chunky cladding at the base of the doors. The H5 promises to have a sporty roofline that slopes downwards towards the rear, but the glasshouse will be far from conventional. The windows aft the C-pillar will be pinched and will ‘open up’ again as they merge with the rear windscreen. Massive wheels, once again, will be seen on the H5 and the manner the wheel arches flow into the rear bumper is something that promises to give the new SUV a very distinctive rear end. The latest teaser images suggest a smoked effect for the wraparound tail lamps and intricate detailing on the lower portion of the SUV’s rear bumper.
The H5 SUV will be made on Tata-owned Land Rover’s L550 platform and will be available in five and seven seat versions. Powering the SUV will be a rebranded version of Fiat’s Multijet II diesel engine, that also powers the Jeep Compass, albeit in 140hp and 170hp forms.
In addition to the hatchback and SUV, Tata has also released more images of the Tigor Sport, also scheduled for an Auto Expo reveal. The latest images show a contrast roof and a honeycomb design detail on the flanks. Images released earlier showed the Tigor Sport will have a completely redone front bumper with an exaggerated housing for the fog lamps, embellished with red detailing. The Tigor Sport will be powered by the Nexon’s 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine and will get a retuned suspension package for a sportier drive.
Also see:
Auto Expo 2018 preview: Cars and SUVs
Tata Nexon AMT to debut at Auto Expo 2018
Why many automakers are giving Auto Expo 2018 a miss