A top-end Tata HBX (Tata H2X/Tata
Hornbill) has been spied on test at night. Tata Motors plans to launch the HBX
in India in the second half of the year. The Tata HBX, internally referred to
as the Tata Hornbill and even the Tata X442, is a micro-SUV. It is being tested
in production body with all the final elements such as the two-tier headlamps
comprising white DRL on the top and main light below, round fog lamps,
tri-arrow pattern on the lower grille, on-road tyres and more.
The Tata HBX, which is yet to get its
final name, sits on the Alfa Architecture (Advanced Modular Platform). This
platform debuted in the Tata Altroz last year and is ready for full
electrification right from the beginning. In the next two years, we might even
see a pure electric Tata HBX in the showrooms. The ICE model arriving this year
is likely to have a 1.2-litre Revotron naturally aspirated petrol mill under
its upright hood.
In addition to two-tier headlamps, Tata
Motors will likely offer the production HBX with 15-inch alloy wheels, a
floating touchscreen infotainment system, connected vehicle services,
semi-digital instrument panel comprising a TFT display and an analogue speedometer,
8-speaker sound system and much more. 5-speed manual and 5-speed automated
manual should be the transmission choices.
The Tata HBX will go against the likes of
Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100. Its prices may start close to INR 5 lakh
(ex-showroom India). Reports say that a Hyundai micro-SUV is also in the
pipeline and that it will arrive in 2021.
