A year after turning a lot of heads with the Racemo two-seater sports car concept, Indian automaker Tata is back at the Geneva Motor Show with three new concepts. One of these concepts is called the 45X, a premium-looking hatchback that could pave the way for Tata’s future in the segment. The 45X was joined in Geneva by the H5X SUV and the E-Vision all-electric sedan.

That’s two years in a row for Tata. Two straight years that we’ve seen the Indian automaker roll out a concept car that looks very promising. Nothing ultimately come out of the Racemo Concept from last year, but we’re hoping for a different result with the 45X because this hatchback concept deserves to be turned into a production model. That’s how high we are in its design.

Tata says that the 45X will be built on modern equipment, specifically on a new platform called the “Agile Light Flexible Advanced” Architecture that the Indian automaker is developing for a multitude of body styles. The platform is defined by its lightweight and modular characteristics, allowing it to be used on a range of new models. Hopefully, that “range of new models” includes the 45X.

As far as the design goes, the 45X is arguably the most appealing concept of the three models that Tata is showing off in Geneva. The front section has an interesting-in-a-good-way look to it, highlighted by a pair of ultra-slim LED headlamps and a digitally inspired lower grille. Even the other lighting fixtures just below the LED headlamps have a little bit of a McLaren look to them. When was the last time you saw Tata get compared to McLaren? Never?

The side profile of the 45X is also impressive, particularly the lines that cut along the body of the hatchback. Tata calls one of them the slingshot line, which runs the width of the hatch with a matching chrome finisher. This line not only separates the taillamps from the roof and rear glass panel of the hatch, but it also complements the two separate spoilers that look as if they’re extending the hatchback’s roof line. From the side, you’ll see how the two extend a little further away from the 45X’s body. It’s a style that isn’t for everyone, but it’s certainly something that Tata should at least look into if it decides to turn the 45X into a production model.

As impressive as the concept’s exterior is, the interior is where Tata’s heritage and personality are proudly shown. Truth be told, it’s one of the nicest concept interiors we’ve seen in a while. It mixes traditional Indian design themes with modern tech influence. The four sports seats are all independent from one another, but they do share a similar look and style. The floor of the cabin and the door panels have the same design as the ones on the hatchback’s lower front grille. Even the 45X’s steering is appealing in its own way. It’s thin and small, but it’s wrapped up in fancy leather to complement its modern design.

Tata didn’t include powertrain details, but given the company’s history with small and compact cars, it shouldn’t have too much difficulty coming up with a powertrain solution that will allow the 45X to maximize its potential. There’s a place in the segment for a hatchback that looks as good as the 45X. Hopefully, Tata does something meaningful with what it has with the 45X. It’d be a shame if this prototype suffered the same fate as the Racemo two-seater sports car.

References

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