The news of the new micro-SUV from Tata Motors, HBX, has got the industry and potential customers excited ever since it was first showcased in the Auto Expo 2020. Since then, we have reported multiple spy shots from time to time as and when a new update surfaces. This time around, a higher trim of the Tata HBX has been spotted testing semi-camouflaged. The micro-SUV market is slowly picking up in India after the arrival of products like the Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Ignis. This is primarily because of the practicality of higher ground clearance in semi-urban areas of the country which requires a rugged and practical product like an SUV. Since the hardcore SUVs cost a bomb, the micro-SUV segment has started to gain popularity. This trend is likely to continue because of the combination of affordability and practicality that this segment offers. Let us see what the spy images tell us about the upcoming micro-SUV and what are features expected in the HBX.
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Tata HBX – Spy Images
This time around, the spy shots clearly reveal the looks of the front end of the micro-SUV. Much like the concept model showcased in the Auto Expo, the HBX is likely to get a split headlamp setup with LED DRLs on the top and the main headlamp cluster on the bumper down below. The broad front grille will give the HBX a wider appearance and the chunky air dams enhance the sportiness of the HBX. As confirmed by Tata Motors at the time of the Auto Expo, the production version of the concept was likely to retain over 90% of the concept’s designing elements. This clearly indicates that the production-spec will be muscular and striking, which is also made clear from the spy shots. On the sides, the images show sporty dual-tone alloy wheels along with large wheel arches, floating roof and rear door handles on the window of the SUV. At the rear, however, things are not as clear as the front. By the looks of it though, the rear tail lamps might resemble those on the Nexon but we will have to wait a bit longer to be sure.
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Tata HBX – Interiors
The spy shots earlier have shed some light on the cabin of the HBX as well. There is a flat-bottom steering wheel which is becoming very popular with modern cars including some of Tata’s own products. This gives it a very sporty feel which is necessary for an SUV. Some of the other equipment lists include a floating Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Air-Con vents and Digital Instrument Cluster which might be borrowed from other Tata products. As seen in the Auto Expo 2020, the quality of the fit and finish is expected to be high.
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Tata HBX – Expected Engines, Prices and Rivals
The expected engine options might include a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine making 86hp. There might well be turbo petrol on offer as well. This engine will come mated to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT gearbox, which was also spied earlier. This will prove to be a huge advantage in its favour to offer the micro-SUV with engine and transmission options. The expected prices of the Tata HBX are likely to be in the region of Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh, ex-showroom. The Tata HBX is likely to be launched in 2021. The list of rivals includes Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Ignis, which are all very popular in the segment already. Also, there is news of Hyundai planning to launch its micro-SUV as well, codename AX, which has also been spotted in the international market multiple times.
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Image Source: Team BHP
