There's nothing confidential that Tata Motors is gearing up to introduce a micro-SUV that will be positioned against the likes of Maruti Ignis and Mahindra KUV100 NXT. The SUV has been spied plenty of times in its nears production form, and now once again its spy images have been surfaced online, revealing that the car will get an AMT gearbox option.
As the above spy image reveals, the interior of the upcoming Tata HBX will be similar to its concept avatar that was shown at the Auto Expo 2020. It will get a multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel, a climate control system positioned just above the central tunnel, and rectangular-shaped central air-con vents with hazard lamp switch between them. All these elements are similar to the HBX concept. The fabric seats, on the other hand, resembles the Tiago hatchback. This picture also confirms the speculation about the possibility of an AMT being on offer with the HBX.
While the full interior remains to be seen, it’s likely to feature a 7-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment system with apple carplay and android auto compatibility, a semi-digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, cruise control, etc. Safety is expected to be taken care of by dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, rear parking sensors, and camera, etc.
Tata HBX – Exterior Design
Also Read: Tata Tiago Limited Edition Launched At Rs 5.79 lakh
The production-spec Tata HBX will be based on Tata's modular ALFA-ARC platform, which also underpins the Altroz premium hatchback. Revealed by the previous spy images, it will retain most of the design elements from its pre-production model shown last year. Upfront, it will get Tata's latest 'Humanity Line' front grille with a split headlamp setup similar to the Harrier SUV. The other notable designing bits of this upcoming micro includes an SUV-like boxy stance, flared wheel arches with heavy bottom-line cladding, and dual-tone alloy wheels for the higher-spec variants.
Tata HBX -Engine & Gearbox
Tata HBX is likely to be a petrol-only offering with Tiago’s 1.2-litre. 3-cylinder petrol engine (86PS/113Nm). Transmission duties are expected to be managed by either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT (automated manual transmission).
Expected Launch & Price
The HBX is expected to reach dealerships in the first half of 2021 and could be priced from Rs 5 lakh onwards. Tata is likely to position it between the Tiago & Altroz in its product lineup. Once launched, it will fight against the likes of Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Ford Freestyle, and Hyundai's upcoming micro-SUV.
