At the 2020 Auto Expo, Tata Motors had revealed a near-production version of the H2X concept, called the "HBX". The Tata HBX (Hornbill) is a micro-SUV and currently is in the testing phase. Recently, some of its images have surfaced online. Though it was heavily camouflaged, its front-design can be seen clearly.
Tata HBX – Exterior Design
The testing mule of Tata HBX looks close to the production form and it retains its concept’s styling. It sports Nexon facelift like front grille to which the brand called ‘Humanity Line’. The grille is flanked by LED DRLs while the headlamps units are positioned on the bumper, just like the Tata Harrier. In fact, with its heavy black portion on the lower part of the bumper, it looks like a tiny version of the Harrier flagship SUV.
The side profile of the car retains the boxy layout just like its concept model and features a gradually rising window line. In the recent images, the testing mule was having steel rims, but the top-spec variant of the car will get machined cut dual-tone alloy wheels, and that can be seen in the previous spy images. The wheel arches, on the other hand, are squarish-shaped and consist of plastic cladding.
The rear images of the car do not give a clear idea about its design, but it will get LED taillamps, rear wiper & washer, raked windshield, rear parking camera, and integrated reflectors on the rear bumper.
Tata HBX – Interior & Features
The interior images of the Tata HBX are yet to come. But we believe its dashboard layout to be quite similar to its concept model. The HBX is expected to get features like a floating touchscreen infotainment system, flat-bottom steering wheel, semi-digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push engine start/stop button, a multi-function steering wheel with leather wrapping, etc. Safety, on the other hand, could be taken care of by dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, reverse camera, speed alert system, and seat belt reminders.
Tata HBX -Engine & Gearbox
The HBX could be a petrol-only model. It is likely to get Tata Tiago's 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which develops 86PS of maximum power and 113Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties could also be the same as Tiago: a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT options.
Expected Launch & Price
The HBX is expected to hit the Indian market in the first half of 2021 and could be priced from Rs 4.5 lakh onwards. Once launched, it will fight against the likes of Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Ford Freestyle, and Hyundai's upcoming micro-SUV.
Image source 1, Image source 2
