We’ve just got our hands on what is the first picture of Tata Motors’ upcoming hatchback’s interior. Seemingly shot from a moving vehicle while the hatchback was on test, the picture gives a glimpse of what to expect on the inside of the new model, shown so far as the Concept 45X at Auto Expo 2018.

While the dashboard is not visible in its entirety, what is clear is that the new hatchback will sport a large free-standing touchscreen atop the centre console. The detail is in line with Tata Motors’ description of car cabins built to its latest Impact Design 2.0 design philosophy. The carmaker had announced ‘segment leading’ human-machine interface screens, and the spy photograph does point to a larger-than-average centre touchscreen. Rivals for the production version of the Tata hatchback include the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, the Hyundai i20 and the Honda Jazz, all of which sport 7.0-inch touchscreens.

The high-set position of the touchscreen is also in keeping with Tata’s note that “every function would be in arm’s reach.” You can also expect the hatchback to feature the next generation of Tata’s infotainment systems.

Also of note is that the basic design of the dash is far more conventional than Tata Motors’ renderings of the Concept 45X’s radical dashboard. The spy pic shows analogue dials, and what looks like a traditional T-shaped centre console with air con vents under the centre screen. What is also visible is an all-black theme for the cabin, though, the final product could follow a different colour combination. As per details revealed by Tata Motors, cars on Impact Design 2.0 will use varied colour combinations and high-quality materials to “enhance the perception of tactile quality.” There will also be room for personalisation with multiple accessory options, along with several in-cabin storage spaces.     

The spy shots of the exterior, meanwhile, point to a well-balanced and confident shape. The production model will boast class-leading wheel sizes, generous wheel arches and clean surfacing, all being details that will be common to cars designed to Tata’s Impact Design 2.0 language. 

Details on engines being offered on this new hatchback are scarce but it would be safe to expect more powerful versions of the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel powerplants currently on offer on the Nexon. Gearbox duties are expected to be taken care of by a six-speed manual, there is also a twin-clutch gearbox in development.

The production version of the 45X hatchback is expected to launch sometime in the second-half of 2019.

Is the Tata 45X a car you’d wait for? Let us know in the comments section below.