The Tata Hexa Safari Edition could be the very last version of the 7-seater SUV, before being replaced by the all-new Gravitas.
Tata Motors has officially teased the all-new Hexa Safari Edition ahead of its possible launch at Auto Expo 2020. The Tata Hexa 7-seater SUV was once the flagship product in the Indian brand’s portfolio until the Tata Harrier 5-seater SUV made its debut back in January 2019. With the introduction of the Harrier, demand for the Hexa dropped down significantly even though it was a well-rounded 7-seater. Now, with the new Tata Hexa Safari Edition, Tata Motors aims to give the SUV one last goodbye.
Yes, the BS4-compliant Tata Hexa is expected to face the end of its production before BS6 emission norms kick in by April 2020. As its virtual successor, the much-awaited Tata Gravitas — the 7-seater avatar of the Harrier — will join the brand’s Indian portfolio. There were previous statements from Tata Motors officials themselves that the Hexa will be continued in the market with its engine upgraded to BS6 standards, but it seems very unlikely now.
In comparison to the regular Tata Hexa, changes in the Safari Edition would be limited to the cosmetics department. As the name suggests, the new version of the SUV is meant to give a rugged and adventure-ready appeal, purely through aesthetics. The internal components will probably remain the same while the interiors may get a few feature-additions and other subtle tweaks.
Speaking about the internals, the Tata Hexa BS4 is powered by a 2.2-litre Varicor 400 four-cylinder diesel engine that makes roughly 154bhp and 400Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission, that powers the front wheels or all four wheels.
It is to be noted that the newer Harrier is strictly a front-wheel-drive vehicle (despite having multiple drive modes to take on rough terrain). However, reports state that the all-new Gravitas could come with a front-wheel-biased all-wheel-drive unit. If this is indeed true, existing Hexa owners will have an ideal upgrade from Tata Motors itself.
The Tata Hexa was launched in the Indian market back in January 2017 as an alternative to the popular Tata Safari. It shares its platform with the now-discontinued Aria MPV which was introduced as a rival to the likes of the Toyota Innova. However, Tata Motors couldn’t attain much market success with either model, simply because the competition was quite overwhelming. Prices for the current-generation 2019 Tata Hexa start at around Rs 13 lakh ex-showroom and the new Safari Edition will most likely come at a higher price tag.
