Tata Motors had commenced road testing of the
production Tata H5X just days before it debuted as a concept at Auto Expo 2018.
The production version was spied on the roads yet again, by RushLane
reader Bhoomi Patel.
The Tata H5X test mule is fitted with temporary
headlights and turn indicators, but the silhouette of the slim headlights are
visible. The production version incorporates large lower grille and beefy tyres
as well. Its proportions look largely the same as that of the concept. The
design hiding underneath the camouflage isn’t all that different either, as
Tata Motors’ Head of Design Pratap Bose has said that 80-80% of the concept is
going into production.
The Tata H5X will reach showrooms as the company’s
first production model underpinned by the D8 platform sourced from Jaguar Land
Rover. It is said to employ FCA’s 140 hp 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine.
Transmission choices should include 6-speed manual and 9-speed automatic. Tata
Motors may offer a 4WD system in the range-topping configuration.
The Tata H5X will likely go on sale in early 2019. A
7-seat version of this SUV will follow later, reportedly with the 170 hp
2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine under the hood.
