Upcoming Tata HBX Spied Again While Testing

Tata Motors showcased the concept version of its upcoming mini SUV HBX last year at the 2020 Auto Expo. As per the automaker, the production version of the car will be 90 per cent similar to that of the concept model. In the automaker’s stable, it will sit below Tata Nexon. Recently, the production-spec version of the car has been spied while getting tested. The test mule of the SUV was fully camouflaged. The production-spec model of the SUV is expected to be named as Hornbill. It will be based on the company’s ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform.

In terms of dimensions, the Tata SUV will be 3,840 mm long, 1,822 mm wide, 1,635 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,450 mm. One can expect the production-spec model of the SUV to be similar in size. Tata HBX will be based on the company’s Impact 2.0 design language, which means that it will get a muscular looking front-end with a split headlight setup. The SUV is expected to employ faux skid plate at the front and rear, which will enhance the rugged look of the car. At the rear, the upcoming Tata HBX is likely to get tri-arrow shaped LED taillight. Inside, the cabin of the car will come loaded with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Harman audio system, a semi-digital instrument console, cruise control and much more.

Just like Tiago facelift, production-spec Tata HBX will get a flat-bottom steering wheel. Mechanically, it will get propelled by a BS6-compliant 1.2-litre three-pot NA petrol mill, which is capable of shredding out 86 PS of power and 113 Nm of peak torque. The engine will come coupled to a 5-speed MT or an optional automatic gearbox. The same powertrain option does duties in Altroz, Tiago and Tigor. The all-new Tata HBX is expected to be offered at a starting price of around 4-5 lakh.