Tata Motors has registered an unprecedented 162% sales growth in September 2020. In order to maintain the sales growth, the homegrown automaker is ready with two new SUVs – the Gravitas and the HBX concept based SUV codenamed Hornbill. The Gravitas was planned to be launched during festive season, before Diwali 2020. However, the launch has been delayed due to supply-chain disruption in COVID-19 pandemic.
The new Tata Gravitas and the Hornbill micro SUV are now scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2021, that’s January-March. The Gravitas is basically the 7-seater version of the Harrier SUV. It will directly rival the MG Hector Plus and the Mahindra XUV500. Unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Tata Gravitas will be offered with 6- and 7-seat options. It will be the second Tata product to be based on the new OMEGA platform. Also See – Tata Gravitas – 10 Things To Know
The Tata HBX aka Hornbill will be based on the ALFA modular platform that underpins the Altroz hatchback. Designed on Tata’s new IMPACT 2.0 DESIGN language, the Hornbill will be positioned against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100 NXT. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Tiago and the Altroz. This engine produces 85bhp and 110Nm of torque. Both manual and AMT versions will be on offer.
In terms of proportions, the Gravitas is 4,661mm long, 1,894mm wide and 1,786mm tall. This makes it 63mm longer, 72mm wider and 80mm taller than the Harrier. The wheelbase of the new Tata 7-seater SUV is exactly similar to the Harrier – i.e. 2741mm. It will be powered by a BSVI compliant 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that also powers the Harrier. This engine produces 170bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque convertor automatic. It will also get Terrain Response System with three modes – Wet, Rough and Normal along with multiple drive modes Eco, City and Sport.
