Tata HBX Rivalling Maruti SUV Will Hit Market In First-half of 2022

Recent reports suggest that Maruti Suzuki has plans to launch five new SUVs in India between 2021 and 2023. During this timeline, the carmaker has plans to introduce a new-gen Vitara Brezza, all-new Vitara, a Mahindra Marazzo-rival and new-gen Gypsy. The automaker has also planned to introduce a new mini SUV, which is likely to rival with the likes of Mahindra KUV100 and upcoming Tata HBX. The upcoming mini SUV by Maruti will the most affordable SUV in the automaker’s stable and will sit under Maruti Vitara Brezza. There will be a difference of Rs 50,000 – 60,000 between the upcoming mini SUV and the new-gen Maruti Vitara Brezza.

It is likely to hit the Indian market by the first half of 2022. It’ll give a cut-throat competition to its rivals. One can expect it to derive power from the powertrain of Maruti WagonR. Right now, Mahindra KUV100 is the only car in this segment. Talking about Tata HBX, the mini SUV was showcased early this year at the Auto Expo 2020 in concept form. It has been spied several times while getting tested on the Indian roads. The concept model of the SUV looks like a baby Harrier. The front fascia of the SUV will get DRLs above headlamps, which will definitely remind you of the Tata Harrier. The overall design of the SUV looks quite bold and robust.

The production-spec Tata HBC will be based on the company’s ALFA platform. The same platform also underpins Tata Altroz. It is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre, three-pot petrol engine, which churns out 85bhp of power and 113 Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed MT as standard. The same powertrain does duties in Tata Tiago and Tigor. We estimate the production-spec Tata HBC to be priced between Rs 5 to Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom). Moreover, it is rumoured to be named as ‘Tata Hornbill’.