A new set of spy images of the interior of the production-spec Tata HBX has surfaced on the internet. The interior not only looks very close to the concept version but also has a huge resemblance with the Tata Altroz. And that's a good thing because we have always liked the interior of the Altroz.
In fact, some bits like the flat-bottomed
steering wheel, a lot of switchgear, climate controls stack and even the 7-inch
touchscreen infotainment system seem to have directly come from the Altroz.
Even the digital instrument cluster with a analog dial for the speedometer
looks exactly identical to that of the Altroz. The HBX, however, gets a unique
design for the AC vents and we also expect some layered design elements on the
parts that are camouflaged.
These spy images also give us a glimpse at
some of the features that would be offered with the HBX. That includes USB
charging ports, automatic climate control, cruise control (first-in-segment),
and push-button start/stop. We expect the
HBX to be offered with Harman speakers and safety features will include dual
airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. That said, the small compass
on the dashboard and bronze inserts on the steering wheel and around the AC
vents from the concept have been given a miss.
The Tata HBX will be underpinned by the
ALFA platform - the same as the Altroz - and so interior space is likely going
to be a strong point for the HBX along with doors that open 90 degrees for easy
ingress and egress. In terms of design, from spy shots seen before, the production-spec
HBX will have a few references to the larger Harrier and the Safari, especially
with the split LED headlamp setup and a new version of Tata’s signature
‘Humanity Line’ grille. Save for toned down bumpers and wheels, it will largely
remain similar to the concept.
Under the hood, the Tata HBX is likely to
be powered by a 1.2L, naturally aspirated, three cylinder engine that already
does duty on the Tata Tiago and the Tigor. This engine produces 86 hp and 113 Nm
of torque and could likely come mated to a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT
gearbox, which too has been spied earlier. The HBX will be the smallest SUV ever produced by Tata and is
expected to be priced from around INR 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the
likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100 NXT.