Tata Motors had showcased the all-new HBX micro SUV at the 2020 Auto Expo. The new model is rumoured to be called the Tata Hornbill. It will be the brand’s smallest SUV, which will take on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the upcoming Tata HBX. In this article, we bring you 9 interesting details about the upcoming Tata Hornbill micro SUV –
1. Launch in Q2, 2021
The Tata Hornbill is scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2021, most probably in April-May. The new model was earlier planned to be launched in Q1, 2021; however, launch has been pushed by 2-3 months due to rising COVID-19 cases.
2. Altroz’s Platform
The upcoming Hornbill micro SUV is developed on the ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform, which also underpins the Altroz premium hatchback. This platform is flexible enough to accommodate different body styles measuring under 4.3 meters in length. In fact, the next-gen Tiago, Tigor and the Nexon will be based on this platform.
3. Tata Hornbill Petrol Only
The micro SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine that also powers the Tiago and the Altroz. This engine churns out 85bhp of power and 110Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT.
4. To Get Electric Derivative
Tata Motors will soon introduce the Altroz EV in the country, which will be followed by an electric version of the HBX based SUV. The new electric micro SUV is expected to be priced under Rs 10 lakh.
5. Concept Was Bigger Than Rivals
The company hasn’t revealed the production version of the HBX micro SUV; however, the concept was bigger than most of its challenger. It measures 3,860mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,880mm in height, which makes it bigger than its direct rivals including the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100. In fact, the small SUV is 11mm wider and 28mm taller than the Nexon compact SUV.
6. Tata Hornbill Looks inspired by Harrier
The spy images confirm that the Tata Hornbill front design will be heavily inspired by the Harrier. It features the ‘Humanity Line’ front grille featuring the brand’s logo in the centre, split headlamp set-up with LED DRLs, radiator grille and dual-tone bumper. Some of the design highlights will include blacked-out pillars, C-pillar mounted rear door handles, rear washer & wiper, LED taillamps, etc.
7. Tata Hornbill Interior inspired by Altroz
The Tata Hornbill will share the interior with the Altroz hatchback. The dashboard will be dominated by a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system with modern day connectivity features.
8. Key Features
– Multi-functional steering wheel
– Automatic AC
– Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
– Harman-sourced sound systen
– Cruise control
– Keyless entry with push button
– ABS with EBD
– Dual front airbags
– Speed alert
– Rear camera
9. Expected Price & Production
The Hornbill micro SUV will be produced at the Tata Motors’ Sanand-based facility in Gujarat. This facility will also serve as a production hub for Tata’s upcoming lower-end models based on the ALFA-ARC Platform.
Set to rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 NXT and the upcoming Hyundai AX1, the upcoming HBX based micro SUV is expected to cost around Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6.5 lakh.
Tata HBX First Look Video
