GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Tata creates cut-price MX-5-rival

Jaguar Land Rover's owner, Tata, created shockwaves at the Geneva motor show when it revealed a cut-price sportscar that will challenge cars like the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota 86 coupe.

Called the Tamo Racemo, the concept revealed at the Swiss show was said be inspired by a real race car.

Based on a new modular platform called MOFlex Multi-Material Sandwich (MMS), the Racemo is around the same length as Ford's Fiesta but some 300mm lower and more than 100mm wider.

Beneath its sporty skin is a new mid-mounted rear 1200cc turbo triple-cylinder engine that produces 140kW/210Nm.

Weighing in below 1000kg, the punch Racemo hits 100km/h, from standstill, in less than 6.0 seconds.

Inside, the Racemo has simple stripped-back interior but one that features an advanced infotainment system that harnesses cloud-based tech that includes an advanced sat nav.

Set to be the first ever Indian car to feature in Microsoft's Forza Horizon 3 video game, rumour at the Swiss show was senior execs within Tata had already green lit the Racemo for production in 2018.

Using cost-saving production methods developed on the Nano city car the Racemo will undercut all its rivals.

If ever offered Down Under, expect Tata’s first ever sportscar to be potentially priced at less than $20,000.