Tata Motors aims to expand its SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) portfolio in the Indian market. Speaking to ET Auto, Shailesh Chandra, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Business Unit President, said that SUVs have around 30 pre cent share in the domestic market this year, which is double of 2015 figures. Tata aims to have the widest SUV product lineup in the country. Currently, it sells Tata Nexon subcompact SUV and Harrier compact SUV. In coming months, the company will bring in the Tata Gravitas 7-seater SUV and Hornbill (codename) mini SUV.
While the Gravitas is slated to arrive in the last quarter of this fiscal year, the Hornbill will come later. Based on the Omega platform, the upcoming Gravitas will be put up against the cars like MG Hector Plus and the new-generation Mahindra XUV500. It’s essentially the bigger version of the Harrier with an additional third row of seats. A few noticeable cosmetic changes will also be made to the Gravitas. In fact, it will have slightly more premium interior to offer.
The spy pictures confirm that the upcoming 7-seater Tata SUV will feature ivory upholstery, grey trim, auto hold function, electronic parking brake, an 8.8-inch floating infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, cruise control, climate control system and many more comfort and safety goodies. Besides sharing platform, design bits and features, the Tata Gravitas will borrow the 170bhp, 2.0L diesel engine with the Harrier. It will be offered with the 6-speed manual and torque converter automatic gearbox options.
Tata Hornbill mini SUV, on the other hand, will be based on the HBX concept that broke cover at this year’s Auto Expo. It will underpin Alfa modular platform and feature the brand’s new Impact 2.0 Design language. The new Tata mini SUV will be positioned against the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Mahindra KUV100 NXT. Its official details are yet to be revealed. Though, the reports suggest that it will come with a 85bhp, 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol engine.
Tata Gravitas Preview
