Buoyed by excellent response for Altroz, Nexon and the Tiago, Tata Motors is now aiming to introduce several new products in the country. The SUV segment is gaining momentum, as the brand’s two SUVs – Nexon and Harrier – are receiving positive response from buyers. In order to further improve sales, Tata Motors is aiming to introduce 2 brand new SUVs along with the BSVI version of the Hexa SUV in India this year. =
New Safari
Tata Motors will launch the production version of the Gravitas 7-seater SUV, which is named as the Tata Safari, in the country in 2021. The new model will be the second model to be based on the new OMEGA platform, which is derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture. It is basically the 7-seater version of the Harrier. The new Safari will be positioned against the MG Hector Plus and the Mahindra XUV500. Dealer level bookings for the SUV have already been started; however, official bookings will commence towards the end of January 2021.
In terms of proportions, the new Safari is 63mm longer, 72mm wider and 80mm taller than the Harrier. The SUV will have a ground clearance of 200mm. It will be offered with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that is capable of producing 168bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Tata Hornbill micro SUV
Tata will launch the production version of the HBX micro SUV in the second quarter of 2021, between April to June. The new model was unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo. Rumoured to be called the Hornbill, the micro SUV will be positioned against the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100 NXT. The mini SUV will feature the brand’s Impact 2.0 design language. It will be Tata’s second production model to underpin the Alfa platform.
The upcoming Tata Hornbill is likely to be powered by a 1.2L, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 86bhp and 113Nm of torque. Gearbox choices will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT (automated manual transmission) unit. Tata Motors has confirmed that the Hornbill will retain around 95% design bits from its concept. It measures 3,840mm in length, 1,822mm in widh and 1,635mm in height.
BS6 Hexa
Tata Motors is testing the BSVI compliant Hexa SUV, which suggests that the 7-seater model could be re-launched in the market. For people not in the know, Tata Motors had showcased the new Hexa Safari Edition at the 2020 Auto Expo. It was finished in Camo Green colour. It features 5-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, horizontal taillamps connected via thick chrome bar and different badging.
It will be powered by a BS6-compliant 2.2L, 4-cylinder ‘Varicor’ turbocharged diesel engine with 4×4 drivetrain system. This engine produces 156PS of power and 400Nm of torque. Transmission options are likely to include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.
