Akbar Merchant
Tata Motors has released the first teaser video for its upcoming mini SUV, which will be launched in India in the next few months. The trailer confirms that the mini SUV will be called Tata HBX when it is released. Known internally as the Tata Hornbill, this new mini SUV was previewed as the Tata HBX concept at the 2020 Auto Expo and also as the H2X concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
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Tata HBX micro SUV prices will be announced in the coming months
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Sit below Nexon in Tata Motors’ SUV lineup
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May be equipped with two 1.2-liter gasoline engine options
Tata HBX mini SUV: the production version continues to use the concept name
In the first trailer, the company has confirmed that it will continue to use the already popular “Tata HBX” nickname as the production version of its smallest SUV. This is the first instance of Tata Motors’ decision to stick to the concept name on the production model, because almost all concept cars are launched under different marketing names.
Tata HBX Mini SUV: Expected design and styling clues
Many witnesses and test mules have confirmed that the production specification of HBX looks more or less like this concept, but some design bits will be downplayed. HBX will adopt Harrier and Safari-link front face shapes, split headlamp settings and Tata’s humanized line grille. It will get square wheel arches and upright proportions similar to SUVs. Expect protruding cladding on all sides (both front and back) to create a durable SUV appearance.
Tata HBX Mini SUV: Platform and Dimensions
As the brand announced at the 2020 Auto Expo, HBX will share its foundation with Tata Altroz and will be the brand’s second product based on the modular ALFA architecture. In terms of size, the production specification of HBX is expected to be very close to the concept car’s 3,840 mm length, 1,822 mm width, 1,635 mm height and 2,450 mm wheelbase, which is the same as the Tigor compact car.
Tata HBX micro SUV: interior details
Like the exterior, the basic exterior of the HBX interior will largely mimic the concept. Most variants will come standard with a 7-inch free-standing infotainment screen. It shares many components with other Tata models, such as a sporty three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, Altroz’s digital instrument panel, switch gear and front seats, etc.
Tata HBX Micro SUV: Expected engine and powertrain options
It is expected that HBX will provide two gasoline engines. These will be 1.2-liter NA and turbochargers operating on Tiago, Tigor and Altroz. Transmission options will include a five-speed manual transmission and an AMT automatic transmission. There is also discussion about obtaining higher variants of the drive model.
Tata HBX micro SUV: expected competitor in India
As far as competitors are concerned, HBX will compete with models such as Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100 when it is launched in the coming months. In addition, HBX will also face competition from Hyundai next year. At that time, the Korean brand will launch a new mini SUV, which may be called Casper in our market.
