While there is almost always a delectable collection of new supercars at the Geneva motor show, most of India has its eyes set on the Tata Motors stand. Having participated in the Geneva motor show for over 20 consecutive years now, the company has, over the years, unveiled a number of new concepts at the event. And for its 21st Geneva outing, Tata Motors has planned its biggest showcase yet – an expansive five-car display, including four products that will be making their global premiere.
Tata Vision Hornbill micro-SUV concept
As we’d first reported last month, the big unveil for the 2019 show will be the Vision Hornbill micro-SUV concept. It will preview Tata’s contender in the nascent micro-SUV segment that’ll slot below the Nexon in the company’s line-up. The Vision Hornbill concept – based on the Alfa platform – will hint at the production model aimed squarely at the Mahindra KUV100 and the production version of the Maruti Future S concept. The production-spec Hornbill is expected to debut at the New Delhi Auto Expo in 2020.
Tata H7X Concept
Keeping the Hornbill company will be the H7X Concept, the seven-seat version of the Harrier that will be showcased for the first time. The production-spec H7X – which is due for an India launch in the second-half of 2019 – will have a 62mm longer rear overhang, compared to the standard Harrier, to accommodate a third row of seats. It will get a different name, and will get a more powerful, BS VI-compliant version of the Harrier’s 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine, and it could make in excess of 170hp and 350Nm of torque. Transmission options for the seven-seat Harrier will include a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox.
Tata 45X hatchback
Next up is the production-spec Tata 45X hatchback. The 45X is a brand-new rival to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai i20, and will be the second Tata to sport the brand’s new Impact Design 2.0 language. The interior of the production-spec 45X will likely get a largest-in-its-class touchscreen infotainment system, a part-digital instrument cluster and a T-shaped centre console with AC vents under the centre screen. It's expected to get two petrol engine options - the 1.2-litre, naturally-aspirated engine from the Tiago, and the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol from the Nexon. It's unclear at this time if the 45X will get a diesel engine, as BS VI emission norms are set to make diesel cars significantly more expensive.
Tata 45X EV
A big surprise at the Tata Motors stand this time will be an all-electric version of the 45X. The 45X EV will aim to showcase the electrification possibilities for products based on the Alfa architecture; a follow-up to the EVision sedan concept from last year, which showcased the EV-readiness of the Omega platform. Not much is known about the 45X EV at this time, but expect to see a roomy, high-tech interior influenced by the EVision sedan concept’s.
Lastly, Tata Motors will also include the Harrier at its stand. The brand is understood to be looking at introducing its latest SUV in European markets, and could use this showcase to gauge interest.
Which of Tata’s four global premieres are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments.
Also see:
Tata Harrier online configurator goes live
Tata Nano to be discontinued from April 2019
Tata Harrier buyer's guide video