Jaiveer Mehra
The Tata HBX (code name) mini SUV is the brand’s next major launch event in the Indian market. The production HBX will be positioned under the Nexon banner to meet the needs of Indian customers for SUVs. The model was previewed by the HBX concept at the 2020 Auto Expo, has been spotted for testing several times, and may be launched before the end of the calendar year. Here are some important facts about HBX.
1. Tata HBX mini SUV: the mass-produced version is similar to the HBX concept
It is obvious from the multiple tests of HBX that the mass-produced mini SUV will share most of its styling part with the concept, but some details such as bumpers, wheels and tires will be reduced. HBX will follow the family design language of Tata’s large SUVs (such as Harrier and Safari), with similar split headlight settings and Tata’s humanity line grille. Other design aspects of HBX include square wheel arches, upright proportions, and protruding cladding on bumpers and doors noticed in the latest spy photos, making the look more like an SUV, floating roof effect and two-tone exterior color options.
2. Tata HBX mini SUV: will be based on the same platform as Altroz
Although Tiago and Tigor are based on Tata’s old platform, the mass-produced HBX will be Tata’s second model based on the modular ALFA platform, which debuted with Altroz. In terms of size, the mass-produced mini SUV is expected to be very close to the concept’s 3,840 mm length, 1,822 mm width, 1,635 mm height and 2,450 mm wheelbase. Before the arrival of the new Hyundai AX1 (codename) micro SUV, these numbers will make HBX bigger than its two closest competitors, Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100.
3. Tata HBX micro SUV: the cabin will be a downgraded version of the HBX concept car
Spy photos of the cabin indicate that it will also share a lot of content with last year’s concept, although many details have been downplayed. The basic layout of the dashboard is the same as the concept with a square vent and a free-standing touch screen, but the compass and golden highlights next to the touch screen will not be preserved.
The cabin will also share some elements with other Tata models, and will receive the newly designed steering wheel and part of the digital instrument panel. The digital tachometer is side by side with the analog speedometer. Like Altroz, HBX is expected to be equipped with a 90-degree opening, which will make entry and exit easier. In addition, the hip point of the seat will be higher than its platform brother.
4. Tata HBX micro SUV: will only get gasoline engines with manual and AMT gearboxes
HBX may choose between two gasoline options. The base model is expected to use the 1.2-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine shared by Tiago, Tigor and Altroz, while the higher models are expected to be equipped with a new 1.2-liter turbo gasoline engine. Unlike Nexon and Altroz iTurbo, which use port injection, the HBX mill is expected to use direct injection technology. Transmission options are expected to include 5-speed manual and AMT.
Also on the card is an all-electric derivative product, although it is still some time away.
5. Tata HBX mini SUV: expected to be launched in the next few months
Tata is expected to reveal more details about the production of HBX in the coming months-including the name of the model-which is expected to be launched later this year. At launch, the price of the mini SUV is expected to be less than Rs 500,000.
Picture: Tata HBX concept shown
