For a long-long time, we have been listening about Tata's upcoming HBX micro-SUV, which was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo in pre-production avatar. It has been caught testing several times with full camouflage. But in the recent spy images, the testing mule was just partially covered, thus revealing more design details.
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Going by the spy shots, the upcoming HBX looks like a small cross-version of the Tata Harrier and Nexon SUVs. Upfront, it gets a Harrier-like split headlamp setup, featuring headlights situated lower on the bumper, whereas the Nexon-like 'Humanity Line' grille is flanked by LED daytime running lamps (DRLs). The dual-tone bumper also gets a wider air-dam with a tri-arrow mesh pattern. There's also prominent black cladding covering the entire base of the car, coupled with its upright stance & all-black ABC pillars giving it a rugged appearance.
The spied model was sporting Nexon's like Tectonic Blue shade (recently discontinued in Nexon) with contrasting white coloured roof & ORVMs.
There is another image of HBX's testing mule in white ivory, slightly exposing the rear end. It gets large wraparound tail lamps, a tiny rear windscreen and a humpback-styled tailgate similar to its concept model. Besides, the upcoming micro-SUV also gets machine-cut dual-tone alloy wheels (possibly 16-inches), C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, and slightly raked roof rails with blacked-out roof rails.
Revealed by the earlier spy shots, the HBX's cabin will be identical to its concept version, borrowing many elements from the Altroz, such as a 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, semi-digital instrument cluster, flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, etc.
Other important features that are expected to make way to the HBX include iRA connected car tech, voice command with ARA Auto support, multiple driving modes, height-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, automatic headlamps & wipers, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, etc.
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In all likelihood, production-spec HBX will be powered by the Altroz's 1.2-litre petrol engine that belts out 86PS/113Nm. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and AMT units. The brand could also offer Altroz's 110PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with this entry-level SUV.
Tata is likely to launch the HBX around the festive season, with pricing expected to start from around Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom). In the Indian market, it will be positioned against the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, and Mahindra KUV100 NXT.
