Tata Blackbird SUV likely to share components with Chery Tiggo 5X
We informed you earlier that Tata Motors is readying an all-new 5-seater SUV, which will be positioned between the Nexon and the Harrier. Internally called the Tata Blackbird, the 5-seater premium SUV will directly rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks. The company is using the Chinese Chery Tiggo 5X as the benchmark for the new SUV’s development. In fact, few of the media reports claim that the Tata Blackbird could be the re-badged version of the Chery Tiggo 5X.
For people not in the know, Chery and Tata’s owned JLR is currently in 50:50 joint venture in China. Under the JV, the Jaguar cars aand Land Rover vehicles are manufactured at the Chery JLR’s assembly plant in Changshu. The Chinese brand, Chery is also aiming to enter the Indian market. In fact, Tata Motors will help the Chinese brand to enter in our market.
It was speculated that the Blackbird will be based on the OMEGA ARC platform, which also underpins the Harrier. However, this platform will result into high development cost. It is expected that the SUV will share most of the components including the platform with the Chery Tiggo 5X.
The Chery Tiggo 5x is considered to be the direct rival of the Hyundai ix25 (Creta in India) in China. Measuring above 4 meter in length, the SUV is 4,358mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,670mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,630mm. This model is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 115PS and 142Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic. We believe that Tata Motors could utilise the Chery’s 1.5-litre petrol engine to power the upcoming Blackbird. Also See – Tata Blackbird – 5 key facts
It is expected that the re-badged Chery Tiggo 5X will receive design changes in the form of new front fascia, which will be in-line with Tata’s new IMPACT 2.0 Design language. The company is expected to showcase the model in pre-production avatar at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo. It is likely to be launched in the end of 2020 or early 2021.
