Tata Motors had unveiled the HBX Concept at the Auto Expo 2020. Recently, the production-spec Hornbill was spied testing on Indian roads thus indicating that it is inching closer to be rolled out. The price of Tata Hornbill is expected to be announced around Diwali 2020. Spy shots of the production-spec Tata HBX on test confirm that it will retain nearly everything from the concept that we had seen at the Delhi Motorshow. Competing with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ignis, and Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Tata Hornbill’s dimensions stand at 3840 mm in length, 1822 mm in width and has a wheelbase 2450 mm.
Under the skin, Tata Hornbill is powered by a BS6 compliant 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine that is borrowed from the Tata Tiago and Tata Tigor. The micro SUV is expected to get a 5-speed manual transmission as standard and a 5-speed AMT gearbox as optional.
The micro SUV features Tata Motors IMPACT 2.0 design philosophy. Spy shots reveal the split-headlamp layout with LED DRLs. Similar to the concept, the production-spec features a flat bonnet, a stand-up ‘A’ pillar along with a prominent belt-line, giving it an SUV-like stance from the side. It also gets squared wheel arches and a new set of alloy wheels. The grille and front bumper design are slightly more conventional with the latter featuring circular fog lights that are mounted low. The indicators are now mounted on the ORVMs. The production-spec also features a rakish windshield, a small roof-mounted spoiler, a neat looking tailgate, and compact taillights.
It is based on Tata’s ALFA ARC (Agile Light Flexible Advanced Architecture) platform thus providing more effective legroom, space and comfort. The cabin draws a lot of inspiration from the recently launched Tata Altroz hatchback and shares several features with it. Spy shots of the Tata micro SUV reveal a 7.0-inch instrument cluster, steering mounted audio controls and an automatic climate control system. The primary highlight of the cabin remains the free-standing touchscreen infotainment system that comes compatible with Apple Car Play and Andriod Auto.
image source: Autocar India