Tata HBX Launch Date, Price in India, Features, interior

Tata Motors India has planned to enter a number of new segments in the next few years and with the SUVs quite high in demand, the carmakers plans to enter the Mini SUV segment with their offering to be placed at a introductory price of under 5 lakhs.

What is Tata HBX?

Tata HBX is a 5-seater mini SUV which will be placed below the Nexon in the SUV lineup and take on the likes of Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100 NXT. Tata HBX, likely to be called Hornbill, the name comes from a bird with a large, curved and brightly coloured beak, found largely in the tropical and sub tropical areas.

Tata HBX Timeline

• March 5, 2019 – Tata H2X concept showcased at Geneva International Motor Show 2019.
• February 6, 2020 – Tata HBX concept showcased at the Auto Expo 2020
• January 2021 – Launch and Price announcement of Tata HBX will take place

What are the dimensions of Tata HBX?

Tata HBX measures 3,840 mm in length, width is 1,822 mm, height is 1,635 mm while the wheelbase if 2,450 mm. Ground clearance will be 180 to 185 mm while the boot space will be around 275 litres.

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How does Tata HBX look like?

Tata HBX looks like a mini Harrier in person and borrows the styling from the SUV as well. Upfront, HBX features piano black thick grille which integrates with the turn indicators. Below the indicators is the headlamp unit which incorporates halogen unit. Lower bumper has got huge size faux skid plates.

The side profile features slightly squared wheel arches and there will be full body cladding. Alloy wheels will be different in its production form when compared to what we have seen in the concept version. Tail lamps are all LED while coming down a little bit, there is skid plate as well. The star pattern on the either side of the number plates is likely to make it to the production version.

What about the cabin of Tata HBX?

Although the interior looks quite similar to Tata Altroz where the dash mounted infotainment system, steering unit and semi digital cluster is borrowed from the hatchback, while the difference here comes in the unique design of air con vents which are rectangular and green accents have been used on the steering, AC unit and gearbox surround and on the dash.

Like the other Tata cars including Tiago, Tigor, Altroz, the Mini SUV from Tata will also have black and grey dual tone fabric seat upholstery with green contrasting inserts. Rear ac vents for the second row occupants will be given a miss.

What are the engine options of Tata HBX?

Tata HBX will be available with 1199 cc 1.2-litre 3 cylinder Revotron petrol engine with 84 BHP and 113 NM of torque. Tata will make it available with 5 speed manual and 5 speed automatic transmission with expected mileage of 21 kmpl. 

There won’t be any diesel engine on offer for the HBX neither the carmakers have any plans as of now to bring a Petrol-CNG bi fuel option anytime soon.

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What features does Tata HBX get?

Tata HBX will be pretty decently loaded car and the carmakers will provide it features at par with the competition. Some of the top features are 7” infotainment system, semi digital instrument cluster, power foldable ORVMs, Auto climate control, all 4 power windows, rear washer and wiper, 15-inch alloys, front armrest, LED tail lights, push button start with keyless entry, 6 speaker by Harman Kardon, cooled glovebox and steering controls. Rear armrest is unlikely to be available.

What are the safety features of Tata HBX?

Safety features list will be quite long with ABS with EBD, follow me home headlamps, 2 airbags, front seatbelt pretensioner, rear parking sensors with camera, rear defogger, central locking, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear washer and wiper and front fog lamps. 

Which platform will Tata HBX use?

Tata HBX will be based one the same platform which underpins the Altroz, the hatchback that scored a perfect 5 star rating in the Global NCAP. With the ALFA architecture forming the base of the mini SUV, HBX is expected also to get 5 stars in the safety rating as well.

The Agile, Light, Flexible an Advanced (ALFA) platform has been designed to support virtue body styles including hatchbacks, compact SUVs, sedans and MPVs between 3.7 m and 4.3 m. Also it has been designed to maximise space inside the cabin an ensures a healthy boot capacity. 

What is the expected price of Tata HBX?

Tata HBX will have a starting price of Rs. 4.2 Lakhs with the top end automatic variant with all the bells and whistles at a cost of Rs. 6.2 Lakhs (Ex Showroom). Here are the expected variant wise prices:

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When will Tata HBX launch in India?

Tata HBX was earlier confirmed to be launched in India in September 2020 but due to coronavirus pandemic, the launch has now been pushed to early 2021. Expected launch month is January 2021.

Which Mini SUVs will Tata HBX compete with?

HBX will take on Maruti Ignis as well as Mahindra KUV100 NXT but both these cars have not be able to garner that much sales and Tata HBX seems quite a value for money package with SUVish stance and unmatched safety.

Tata HBX vs Maruti Ignis Comparison

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Dimensions Review

• Tata HBX is longer than Maruti Ignis by 140 mm and wider by 32 mm resulting in more boot capacity as well as space inside the cabin.
• Also it will have more headroom than the Maruti’s mini SUV thanks to 40 mm more height
• Wheelbase of HBX is 2450 mm while that of Ignis is 2435 mm
• Ground Clearance of HBX is more than Ignis while with expected boot space of 275 L, it will leave behind the latter by 15 litres.

Tata HBX vs Maruti Ignis Exterior Design Comparison

• Tata HBX makes use of sleeker elements including the sharp turn indicators, small headlamp unit while the Ignis gets large headlamp unit with C-shaped DRLs although the skid plates of HBX are bigger than that of Ignis.
• Coming to the sides, HBX has got slightly squared wheel arches and big size black cladding while the Ignis gets cladding but they are not that much big. Alloy wheels of Ignis are black out while the HBX will ride on silver alloy for the top end trim.
• Tail lamps of HBX are sleeker and are uniquely styled with faux skid plates lower down while the Ignis has got big size tail lamps, black bumper and raked windshield.
• Overall, HBX is designed to be modern while having a SUV stance, on the other hand, Maruti Ignis looks bold and muscular.

Tata HBX vs Maruti Ignis Interiors Comparison

• Both the micro SUVs comes with dual tone interior theme with Ignis having more airiness in the cabin due to higher contrasting theme. Instrument cluster is analog in Ignis while HBX features semi digital unit. Steering wheel of HBX looks much better in looks than the Maruti’s mini SUV.
• HBX features dash top 7-inch infotainment system with AC vents under it with green surrounds while Ignis comes also with 7” system with air con vents on either sides.
• The cabin of both the cars look really good with the interiors of HBX being more focusses towards providing a sporty and premium experience.

Which is more powerful / fuel efficient – Tata HBX or Maruti Ignis?

Both Maruti Ignis and Tata HBX are just offered with a petrol engine manual as well as automatic transmission but the difference comes in the number of cylinder, output figures as well as mileage.

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Petrol Engine Review

• Tata HBX produces 2 BHP more power than the Ignis while the torque numbers are exactly same for the compared cars.
• While the Maruti claims ARAI mileage of 20.89 kmpl for Ignis, Tata HBX is estimated to deliver certified fuel economy of 21 kmpl.
• Tata HBX’s 1.2 Revotron unit is a 3 cylinder engine while the VVT 1197 cc mill of Ignis is actually a 4 cylinder unit.

Which Mini SUV is more feature loaded – Tata HBX or Maruti Ignis?

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• Feature list of Maruti Ignis and Tata HBX are quite similar with the former providing LED projector headlights in comparison to standard lamps for the HBX while the light at the rear is LED for HBX whereas for Ignis, it is halogen across all variants.
• HBX offers semi digital instrument cluster white Ignis has got a analog unit. Also, HBX features Harman Kardon Sound System. Other equipments are offered on both the vehicles.

Which SUV is more safer – HBX or Ignis?

Tata HBX with ALFA architecture with which the carmakers’ new hatchback scores 5 stars will outperform its rivals while Ignis underpinned by Heartect platform got a 3 star Global NCAP score.

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Which micro SUV costs less – Tata HBX or Maruti Ignis?

Tata HBX will cost between Rs. 4.2 Lakhs and Rs. 6.2 Lakhs while the Ignis is priced between Rs. 4.89 Lakhs and Rs. 7.2 Lakhs. Clearly the Tata’s upcoming mini SUV is much more cheaper than its closest rival, the Ignis.

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Why Tata HBX is better than Maruti Ignis?

1. Build Quality – Tata HBX has a much more rigid and strong platform than the other SUV. It has a stronger body shell and like the other Tata Cars is solidly built up.
2. Better Dimensions – Tata HBX is longer, wider, taller and has more wheelbase than the Maruti Ignis which will not only provide extra space inside the cabin but will also result in more space for the trunk.

Why Maruti Ignis is better than Tata HBX?

1. Better NVH Levels – Maruti Ignis gets a 4 cylinder petrol engine while on the other hand HBX is powered by 3 cylinder petrol unit and Maruti’s engine are more insulated and has less vibration as well but the difference will be minimum.

Tata HBX vs Mahindra KUV100 NXT Comparison: Which one should you buy?

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• Tata HBX is 140 mm longer, 87 mm wider than the Mahindra’s KUV100 NXT.
• While the height of Tata HBX is 20 mm is less than KUV100 NXT.
• Wheelbase of HBX is 2450 mm which is more than KUV100 NXT’s 2385 mm
• Ground clearance of Tata HBX is estimated to be 15 mm more than KUV100 NXT
• Boot Space of KUV100 is 243 litres while that of HBX is larger than the former by around 32 L as it stands at 275 L.
• KUV100 NXT can be had with both 5 as well as 6 seating options while HBX offers only 5 seater variants (2+3).

Tata HBX vs Mahindra KUV100NXT Exterior Design Comparison

• Tata HBX and KUV100NXT features halogen headlamps and standard fog lamps while for HBX tail lamps are placed above the headlight unit.
• HBX SUV’s styling is supported by full body cladding and large faux skid plates as well. Wheel arch cladding with same size and towards the squarish size is kept for both of them.
• The tail lights of KUV100NXT are bigger than HBX and looks better than the latter as well while the HBX has a more of a SUV stance from the rear as compared to hatchback rear design of the KUV100.

Tata HBX vs Mahindra KUV100NXT Interiors Comparison

• Mahindra KUV100NXT comes in single tone interiors even for top variant while the HBX is available with dual tone interior scheme and looks much more premium than the ageing Mahindra’s Mini SUV.
• While the KUV100NXT makes use of piano black accents on the other hand, HBX gets green contrasting inserts. Instrument cluster of KUV100NXT is analog while HBX feature semi digital panel.
• Tata HBX interiors are much more premium while looking up-to-date than the compared Mahindra micro SUV.

Which is more powerful / fuel efficient – Tata HBX or Mahindra KUV100NXT?

KUV100 NXT was earlier offered with 1.2-litre diesel engine but got discontinued and didn’t get the BS 6 update. Now Tata HBX as well as Mahindra KUV100 NXT comes with just petrol motor.

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• KUV100 NXT is 2 NM more powerful than the HBX while the latter has 2 BHP more power.
• Tata HBX gets advantage with the help of 5 speed automatic transmission which the Mahindra’s mini SUV misses out on.
• Tata HBX will be around 3 kmpl more fuel efficient than the Mahindra KUV100 NXT.

Which Mini SUV is more feature loaded – Tata HBX or Maruti Ignis?

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Tata HBX is more feature rich than the Mahindra KUV100 although the latter comes with armrest for front & rear occupants which the former misses out on.

Instrument cluster is semi digital for HBX while KUV100 NXT comes with analog setup.

Tata HBX will offer automatic air conditioner for the top end trim while for all the variants, Mahindra KUV100 NXT has only manual A/C on offer.

Push start stop button is also available in Tata HBX while the KUV100 NXT offers just a key ring and not push button start even for the top end trims.

Mood lighting is a feature which the KUV100 NXT comes available with and the Tata’s upcoming mini SUV doesn’t offers.

Which SUV provides more safety – HBX or KUV100 NXT?

Mahindra KUV100 NXT which has not gone through the Global NCAP safety test is based on the monocoque platform and has a strong structure as well while HBX which is expected to perfect the NCAP is based on the ALFA body.

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Which SUV is more value for money – Tata HBX or Mahindra KUV100 NXT?

Tata HBX’s base as well as top end model undercuts the KUV100 NXT by a big margin and with more features available than the latter, it offers much more value as well.

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Why Tata HBX is a better buy over Mahindra KUV100NXT?

1. More features – Tata HBX has much more features to offer than the Mahindra rival. It gets semi digital instrument cluster. sound system by Harman Kardon, LED tail lamp, automatic climate control although KUV100 offers mood lighting, front & rear armrest which the upcoming Tata SUV misses out on.
2. Competitive Pricing – Tata HBX will be launched at a much lower price than the already existing KUV100 NXT and with the equipments that the Tata’s Mini SUV comes bundled with, it is surely a value for money product.
3. Automatic Gearbox – KUV100 NXT misses out on automatic transmission which most of the people consider these days due to ease of driving and Tata HBX has the petrol-automatic combination.
4. Styling and Interiors – Tata HBX is a modern product which has premium interiors with a sense of sportiness while the KUV100 NXT is in need to a big update.

Why Mahindra KUV100 NXT is a better buy over Tata HBX?

1. More Seating Options – While the HBX is purely a 5 seater car, on the other hand, it is smart of Mahindra to offer space for one more occupant in the area of front tunnel. The KUV100 NXT has the option of 5 as well as 6 seating capacity.

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Upcoming Tata Cars in India