Hot on the heels of unveiling the new Zica hatchback, Tata's upcoming compact SUV is already out on the roads for testing. This clearly hints at the carmaker's aggressive new car launch strategy for the Indian market.
The new sub-four metre vehicle is dubbed as the 'Osprey' and undergoing tests under the codename X104. The camouflaged test mules have a shape similar to the Nexon concept that Tata Motors had displayed at the 2014 Auto Expo. The new car is expected to be based on the X1 platform emulating this concept’s traits. This is the same platform that also underpins the Zest sedan and Bolt hatchback. The make-shift headlamps and tail lamps suggest that the vehicle is still in its preliminary stages of testing. Nevertheless, the honeycomb grille and overall external styling follows Tata's new Horizonext design philosophy.
The car appears to have wider tracks, a high ground clearance and in all probability rides on 15-inch wheels. Going by the fact that Tata vehicles are known for the best-in-class interior space, we can expect the same from this new car. There seems to be ample legroom and headroom for both the front and rear occupants. The dashboard layout is in-line with the new Tata vehicles and will boast of the similar equipment list from its siblings.
This compact SUV is expected to be powered by the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine and the oil-burner might get the Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre Multijet mill. Transmission options will include a five-speed gearbox with the availability of the AMT as well.
This Ford EcoSport competitor might also be pitted against the Renault Duster, Mahindra TUV 300 and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Alpha in the Indian market. We can expect it to be priced in the Rs 7 lakh to Rs 9 lakh bracket and Tata Motors might showcase it at the upcoming 2016 Auto Expo.
Image Courtesy: AutoColumn.com
