If circulating reports are to be believed, Tata Motors has started the production of the long-awaited micro-SUV based on the HBX concept.
The first batch of cars is ready.
Contents
Marketing
It will be named Hornbill which is the road-going version of the HBX concept showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo in Greater Noida.
It is going to be pitched as the cheapest SUV in the brand’s domestic lineup.
It will be positioned below the Nexon compact-SUV.
Its competitors will include the Mahindra KUV NXT, Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the upcoming Hyundai Casper.
Safety
It will be based on the ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform that can also be seen in the Altroz premium hatchback.
Safety wise it will get a high rating like the Altroz which has a five-star Global NCAP rating, enhancing its appeal in the entry-level segment.
Exterior
Coming to the exterior, it is heavily influenced by the Impact Design 2.0 philosophy present in the Harrier.
The overall length falls below 4 metres and features include:
- A split headlamp cluster with LED DRLs
- Dual-tone alloy wheels
- Flared wheel arches
- Tall pillars
- Glossy black grille with the typical Humanity line
- Faux skid plate on the front bumper
- Clamshell-shaped bonnet structure
- Wide central air inlet
Interior
The equipment found inside include:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Steering mounted controls
- Layered dashboard
- Rectangular AC vents
- Floating touch screen
Powertrain And Transmission
It will be running on the same 1.2-litre petrol engine from the Revotron family
It has a maximum power output of 85 bhp and 113 Nm of peak torque.
It is highly likely to be paired with a five-speed manual transmission as standard and a five-speed AMT could be sold as an option.
Pricing And Launch
Tata could take an aggressive approach and price the micro-SUV between Rs. 4.5 lakh and Rs. 7 lakh.
Launch could take place in Nov-Dec after the festive season.