Know 5 major things of Tata HBX (Hornbill), may launch in May 2021

Tata HBX will become the cheapest car in Tata's domestic portfolio after launch and will be below Nexon in the lineup.

Tata Motors revealed a pre-production concept of a 'micro-SUV' at the 2020 Auto Expo held in February this year, which the company named Tata HBX. The production edition of this car is expected to be named Tata Hornbill. The car was expected to be launched by the end of 2020, but it was delayed.

Although there has been a delay in the launch, now it is believed that the car can be launched in May 2021. Although it is yet to be confirmed by Tata Motor, many things have already been revealed about its details. In this article, we are going to tell you five main things of the new HBX:

1. Platform & Dimensions

The new Tata HBX will be developed on the company's ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) platform. Nexon has previously been developed on this platform. The concept model had a length of 3840 mm, width 1822 mm, height 1635 mm and a wheelbase of 2450 mm. The production model is also expected to be of the same dimension.

2. External Design

The production-ready version of the Tata HBX will be based on Tata's impact 2.0 design language, meaning that it will support a muscular front-end with a split headlamp setup. Both ends of the car can get faux skid plates, which will increase it's tuff and SUV appeal. The car will have triangular arrow-shaped LED taillights in the rear, while the concept model and the production model will have 90 per cent similarities.

3. Interior design & Features

The Tata HBX is expected to get a 7-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control as well as Harman premium audio system. The car can also get a flat-bottom steering wheel like the Tiago facelift.

4. Powertrains

The HBX is expected to get the 1.2-litre three-cylinder Revotron naturally aspirated petrol engine which also does duty in Altroz, Tiago and Tigor. This engine produces a maximum power of 86 Ps and a peak torque of 113 Nm. This unit will likely be offered with a 5-speed manual and an automatic transmission.

5. Expected Price and Rivals

The price of Tata HBX is expected to be around 4 lakh to 5 lakh rupees (ex-showroom). After its launch in India, the Tata HBX will compete with cars like Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 NXT and the upcoming Hyundai AX1.