Team-BHP Scoop: Tata Motors to add crossover to Falcon range

Next year, Tata Motors will launch two new cars (new Vista and Manza compact sedan) based on the Falcon platform, a platform that is a tweaked version of the X1 platform currently underpinning the likes of the Indica and Indigo passenger car lines. Team-BHP's sources have informed us that Tata Motors will also add a crossover to the Falcon range. The crossover that Tata Motors plans to add will be based on the Falcon 4 or the revamped Indica Vista. 

Note: Tata Vista D90 Crossover Concept image used for illustrative purposes. 

Engines and transmissions of the crossover based on the Falcon platform is likely to be borrowed from the Falcon 5 (Manza compact sedan) hatchback. So, expect the 1.3 liter Fiat Multijet turbo diesel engine and a turbocharged version of the 1.2 liter XETA petrol engine to power the new crossover. A five speed manual gearbox and a front wheel drive layout will be standard on the crossover. An all wheel drive option isn't on the scheme of things as the Tata crossover will be aimed mainly at city slickers, looking for a high riding alternate to B+ segment hatchbacks. 

A 2015 launch is likely for Tata Motors' crossover, which is likely to take on the likes of the Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Maruti XA Alpha compact SUV, in terms of price and positioning. A sub-4 meter length for Tata Motors' compact SUV is likely, which will allow it to take advantage of the lower excise that the Indian government charges for sub-4 meter compact cars. Tata Motors is unlikely to use the Indica/Indigo badges on the crossover. 

Tata Motors is yet to have a presence in the fast growing compact SUV sector of the Indian car market. Tata Motors absence in this segment comes at a time when other car makers, both foreign and domestic, are cashing on the growing demand for compact SUVs. Both Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki have plans of entering this segment in 2015 with multiple product, and with Tata Motors also joining the compact SUV brigade, the car buyer in India is likely to be swamped by a surfeit of choices.