Tata Motors is aiming to increase its Indian passenger vehicle (PV) market share from existing 6-7% to 10% by the end of the next financial year. The brand is striving to achieve this target with the newly launched Safari and the upcoming HBX micro-SUV, which is likely to hit the Indian dealerships by mid-2021.
As of now, Tata Motors has six products in its passenger vehicles portfolio that mainly includes Tiago (hatchback), Tigor (subcompact sedan), Altroz (premium hatchback), Nexon (subcompact SUV), Harrier (5-seater mid-sized SUV), and Safari (7-seater mid-sized SUV). The Tigor and Nexon are available with both conventional IC engines as well as with electric powertrain. The SUVs currently making up to 40% of total Tata's PV sales. In April-January 2020-21, the brand has sold 1.7 lakh cars. With the new Safari & HBX SUVs, this number is expected to increase by the next fiscal to 2.5-3 lakh units.
About Tata HBX
HBX will be the smallest utility vehicle from Tata Motors in the Indian market that will go up against the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Ford Freestyle, and Hyundai's upcoming micro-SUV. It was showcased in its pre-production avatar at the 2020 Auto Expo.
The Tata HBX will be based on Tata's modular ALFA-ARC platform, which also underpins the Altroz hatchback. It will follow Tata's Impact 2.0 design philosophy which was familiarized by the Harrier SUV. And Tata fans will be pleased to know that it will retain most of the design cues from its concept model styling. The notable design highlights of the production-spec HBX include a Harrier-like split headlamp setup with LED DRLs positioned beside the Humanity Line grille, whereas the headlamps will be positioned on the bumper. The side profile will be dominated by its boxy silhouette and flared wheel arches with heavy bottom line cladding.
Also Read: Upcoming Tata HBX Micro-SUV Spied With AMT Gearbox
Inside, it is expected to get a similar dashboard as its concept model, featuring a floating touchscreen infotainment system at the center with rectangular-shaped central air-con vents positioned just below it. On the features front, the HBX is expected to get a semi-digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push engine start/stop button, a multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel with leather wrapping, etc. Safety, on the other hand, could be taken care of by dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, and reverse camera.
Powering Tata HBX could be the same 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol (86PS/113Nm) engine as the Tata Tiago with similar gearbox options, including the 5-speed AMT (automated manual transmission). It is likely to be priced from Rs 5 lakh onwards (ex-showroom).
