The teaser confirms that the model will be called Tata HBX upon launch. Internally known as the Tata Hornbill, this new micro-SUV was previewed as the HBX concept at the Auto Expo 2020, and also as the H2X concept at the Geneva motor show in 2019. Prices announcement in coming months Will sit below Nexon in Tata Motors' SUV line-up Two 1.2-litre petrol engine options expected
Tata HBX to launch in India soon
1. The Tata HBX is likely to be based on the compact SUV, which is currently sold by Tata Motors as the Nexon. Since the current generation car is sold as a launch-exclusive model, Tata is likely to retain this price point with the HBX. The Tata HBX is expected to be priced below the Nexon by ₹ 5-7k. 2. The teaser reveals that the HBX will have a set of large alloy wheels that could be an indication of an extra feature the car will offer over the Nexon. However, there is not enough information to say what will be the highlights of the Tata HBX. 3. The concept car had an automated steering feature in its interior called AI-stalking. The driver could either steer the car with a swipe of his finger or with his voice. This feature will be a part of the SUV as well.
The Tata HBX
The Tata Hornbill is expected to rival the Renault Duster and Nissan Kicks. It is based on Tata’s new OMEGA platform and will be equipped with a host of features including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink connectivity. The interior of the SUV will feature a floating dashtop with sliding armrest, dual-tone beige and black interior and a boot that will rival the segment-leading Nissan Kicks, which offers 449 litres of storage space. As revealed in the teaser, we can expect the Tata HBX to feature a large twin-pod instrument cluster that also looks like the one in the Nexon. We expect some infotainment system. There is also a large touchscreen infotainment system, similar to the instrument cluster.
The design
The concept seen in Geneva 2019 closely resembles the final production model that we're expecting to arrive in the coming months. That means, you'll see a scaled-down SUV like design, though it will remain fairly family-oriented in its image. Tata Motors' chief design officer Harmeen Mehta recently told motor1 that the company has made a concerted effort to show that they had tried to make the SUV compact and yet had to balance safety and functionality. The interior too remains untouched, though, Tata's chief engineering officer, Nick Miller, had told motor1 that they were already working on how to make it "more homely". So, you're also likely to see in-car entertainment system and some connectivity options as well.
The engine options
Tata Motors has said that it will offer two different engine options to choose from with the upcoming micro-SUV - a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. Both the engines are expected to be offered with a six-speed manual transmission and could be tuned for a decent power output. If the power output of the motor under the hood is in the 140 hp range, it could well be the most powerful motor available in the sub-4 metre segment in India. Tata Nexon On the other hand, if the engine puts out more than 140 hp and 400 Nm of torque, it could be an option available with the automatic transmission, which is also expected to come with a six-speed manual gearbox. The exterior design Based on the new Impact 2.
The price
Pricing of the new Tata SUV will be announced in coming months. The new Tata SUV will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and Maruti Suzuki S-Cross. Technical specifications Under the hood, the new Tata SUV is likely to get two new 1.2-litre engines, developing 108 hp and 114 hp. The smaller of the two engines will be tuned to churn out 108 hp and 142 Nm, while the bigger unit will develop 114 hp and 222 Nm. Both the engines will come mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. A four-speed automatic gearbox will also likely feature on the model. The new Tata SUV will be available with a choice of the conventional front-wheel-drive setup and an all-wheel-drive system. We expect Tata Motors to price the new Tata SUV at around Rs 12 lakh for the base variant.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, the spy shots have been all over the web and it is already a popular with car enthusiasts. The rear of the model is said to resemble the one of the recently launched Qute but looks wider. The exterior design is also said to be significantly inspired by the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which makes it likely that Tata Motors may be working on a rugged off-roader. The engine line-up is expected to include a 1.2-litre petrol engine that will make 84 bhp and 109 Nm of torque, a 1.5-litre diesel engine that is capable of producing 94 bhp and 170 Nm of torque, and a 1.2-litre diesel engine that will churn out 75 bhp and 140 Nm of torque.
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