Tata Motors is getting excellent response from its new breed of cars including the Altroz, Nexon and the Tiago. In fact, the Harrier and Safari managed to beat the MG Hector line-up in February sales. In order to further boost sales, Tata Motors is ready to launch the Tata HBX micro SUV in the country.
Rumoured to be called the Tata Timero, the new micro SUV has been caught testing multiple times. The Tata HBX production model has been spotted again with less covers, revealing more details. A new spy video reveals that the production-spec HBX will have split headlamp setup with sleek LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) on top and main headlamp unit lower on the bumper. The sleek LED DRLs are well integrated into the upper grille.
There is a chrome underlining for the upper front grille and DRLs, while the lower grille has inverted tri-arrow design on the mesh. The bumper accommodates fog lamps and wider air-intakes. The overall front profile looks largely similar to the Harrier; however, it won’t get projector headlamps.
The video also reveals the production-ready machine-cut alloy wheels, which has a unique design. The small SUV also gets LED tail-lights, rear door handles on C-pillars, a roof-integrated spoiler with brake lights, regular antenna on roof, blacked-out C-pillar, ORVMs with integrated blinkers and others.
The concept model was 3,840mm in length, 1822mm in width and 1635mm in height with a wheelbase of 2450mm. It is expected that the production version HBX will measure similar to the concept. The previous spy images reveal that the mini SUV will feature the same interior as the concept. It will have a floating touchscreen infotainment system, a 3-spoke flat-botton steering wheel, black fabric seats and others. The top-spec model could get the Harman audio system. In terms of features, the HBX will have semi-digital instrument console, ambient lighting, a multi-functional steering wheel, ABS with EBD, cornering stability control, parking sensors, etc.
he entry-level SUV will receive the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine that also powers the Tiago and the Altroz. This engine produces 86bhp and 113Nm of torque. It could also receive the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with power close to 100bhp. Transmission choices are likely to include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT.
Estimated to be priced around Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh, the upcoming Tata HBX micro SUV will rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 NXT and the Maruti S-Presso. In fact, Hyundai will also launch a new mini SUV, codenamed AX1 in the early 2021.
