Tata HBX concept based mini SUV will be the next big launch from the home-grown carmaker in the country. Its production model is slated to arrive this year. Reports suggest that the mini SUV will be named ‘Tata Timero’ and it will see a release before 2021 festive season.
Tata’s new micro SUV will be put up against the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the upcoming Hyundai AX1. After the Altroz premium hatchback, the HBX (Timero) will be the brand’s second model to underpin Alfa modular platform.
The small Tata SUV is likely to be offered with the 1.2L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated and 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine options. While the former is good enough for 86bhp and 113Nm, the latter one will deliver power around 100bhp. There might be two gearboxes on offer – a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT.
The carmaker is also planning to bring in its electric iteration in coming years. If reports are to be believed, the Tata HBX electric SUV might be delayed due to the disruption in research and development, component supply constraints and changes to capital expenditure plans due to the pandemic. The HBX EV is likely to come sometime in 2023.
The Tata HBX electric mini SUV will be packed with the brand’s new Ziptron EV powertrain technology that has been designed and developed for Indian climatic and traffic conditions. The same system has been employed in the Tata Nexon EV. It includes a 0.2kWh lithium-ion battery and a 129bhp, electric motor mounted at the front axle.
The subcompact electric SUV delivers a claimed range of 312km on a single charge. The HBX EV might feature the updated Ziptron technology with different battery capacity and power out.
Official launch timeline and details of the upcoming Tata HBX micro SUV and its electric version are likely to be revealed in near future. Stay tuned to IndiaCarNews.
