Tata HBX is a small SUV which made its debut at the Delhi Auto Expo last month
Tata Motors plans to launch a sub 4 lakh small SUV, which was showcased as a near-production ready concept at the Auto Expo. Called Tata HBX, the mini SUV is a rival to the likes of Maruti S-Presso and Mahindra KUV100. With sales of SUVs on the rise, more and more manufacturers are launching SUVish small cars. And they are becoming sales success too.
Maruti S-Presso is now one of the best selling cars in India. Priced under Rs 4 lakhs, this small SUV generates about 10,000 units monthly sales. Tata too has plans to enter this segment. Launch is expected to take place early next year. Recently, automotive enthusiast, and Rushlane Spylane member, Prasad Chandurkar managed to click spy shots of the on-test Tata HBX near Pune.
Internally codenamed Hornbill, this sub 4 meter small car will be positioned between the Tata Tiago and Nexon in the company lineup. The new Tata Hornbill will be the second product after the Altroz to be positioned on the company’s new ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) architecture. The platform is It will measure 3,840mm in length and 1,635mm in height with a 2,450mm long wheelbase.
Looking at the spy shots, and the photos from Auto Expo, it is clear that the HBX will be seen with LED DRLs, integrated turn signals, a swooping bonnet structure, sharp looking headlamps and rounded fog lamps. It also gets faux skid plates, a raked windshield, tall pillars and door handles mounted on the C Pillars. Design elements to the rear include horizontal LED tail lamps and an angled tail gate while the new Hornbill will sit on 14” alloy wheels.
The interiors will be of a premium nature with vital design elements borrowed from the Altroz. It will be seen with a semi digital speedo cluster, free-standing touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, electrically foldable OEVMs and a multi function steering wheel.
Offered solely with a petrol engine option, the Tata Hornbill will get a 1.2 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine offering peak power of 84 PS and peak torque of 114 Nm mated to a 5 speed manual or 5 speed AMT. Engine will be BS6 compliant, same as Tiago petrol. Expect prices to start from about Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs, ex-sh.
