Tata's new car blitzkrieg is getting started with
the Harrier, the 45x (Aquilla) and the H7X. The company's next batch of
vehicles includes a micro-SUV codenamed Tata Hornbill in 2021. Gaadiwaadi has
posted what seems to be the first-ever spy image of the Maruti Ignis rival.
While the purported test mule of the Tata Hornbill
dons a heavy camouflage, thereby concealing many details, the roofline seems to
be less raked than that of the 45X (Aquilla). As the launch is a few years
away, this could be a powertrain or chassis mule built with body panels from
other models to get started on the road trials. The new model would offer more
ground clearance than the 45X.
Underpinning the Tata Hornbill will be the Advanced
Modular Platform (Alpha ARC) that will first appear on the production-spec X45
hatchback. Under the hood, it will employ a BS6-compliant 1.2-litre naturally
aspirated petrol engine featuring micro hybrid technology to meet CAFE norms.
Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed
automated manual unit.
The advent of the BS6 norms will make diesel
engines, which are already more expensive than their petrol counterparts,
significantly costlier. Thanks to this trend, manufacturers can be seen
shifting their focus away from diesel powerplants. A case in point is the
Maruti Ignis, which was launched with petrol and diesel engine options but the
latter was discontinued by June 2018 owing to the low demand.
