Tata HBX, the much awaited mini SUV was supposed to be launched in India in September 2020 but due to coronavirus pandemic, the launch has been delayed too late 2020 or early 2021.Tata’s mini SUV was revealed back at Geneva Motor Show last year and recently was showcased at Auto Expo 2020.
In terms of design, Tata HBX sports split type headlamps with turn indicators above the headlamp unit.The front and rear section gets big size front and rear bumpers with skid plates.Black cladding runs throughout while those chunky big alloys will be replaced by 14 inches.Going to the back, Tata HBX gets LED tail lamps, raked windshield and rear spoiler.
Like the other Tata cars, the cabin of Tata HBX will be in dual tone with 7 inch floating island type infotainment system.Steering wheel unit is similar to the updated Nexon, Tiago, Tigor and Altroz.The air con vents are in rectangular shape while the instrument panel is borrowed from Altroz hatchback.
Features of Tata HBX are electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, semi digital instrument cluster with analog speedometer, 6 speakers, automatic ac, steering controls, push start button with remote keyless entry, cooled glovebox.Safety feature list includes ABS with EBD, front seatbelt pretensioner with load limiter, speed alert system, rear parking sensors with camera, dual front airbags, central locking.
Underpinning the Tata HBX (likely to be called Hornbill) will be ALFA platform with which Altroz has scored 5 stars and the former is also expected to achieve higher NCAP ratings as well.
There will a total of two engine option for HBX, both being petrol, whereas no Diesel engine will be on offer.The 1.2 litre revotron petrol mill (82 BHP / 113 NM) powering the tiago and tigor will come with 5 speed manual and AMT gearbox.Along with this, a 1.0 litre 3 cylinder turbo petrol engine (99 BHP and 172 NM) is also expected to do the duty on the hatchback.
Tata HBX will carry a introductory price of Rs. 4.5 Lakhs with the range topping automatic trim costing Rs. 7 Lakhs (Ex Showroom).When launched, it will take on the likes of Maruti S-Presso and Maruti Ignis.