Tata H5 SUV (Hyundai Creta challenger): 10 things you DON’T know about

One of Tata’s biggest reveals at the 2018 Auto Expo will be the H5 code-named SUV, also known as the Q501. Here are 10 things you don’t know about Tata’s latest bet in prime SUV territory.

Inspired by the Impact 2.0 design language

The H5 SUV will be based on Tata Motors latest design language – Impact 2.0. The new SUV promises to be a ravishing looker, and will be a clean sheet design that will seek to be an evolution of the Nexon rather than the Safari Storme. We’ve even got our rendering artist to bring the H5 to life much ahead of the February 7th unveil.

Massive Land Rover influence!

Yes, the Tata H5 will be based on the Land Rover Discovery Sport platform, known as the LS550 internally. The use of this platform should give the new Tata SUV excellent driving dynamics, ample space (thanks to the long 2,700 mm+ wheelbase) and performance. The H5 promises to be one up on every SUV that Tata has ever built because of the platform alone.

It’ll have plenty of Indianization though…

To keep costs affordable, Tata Motors will replace a bunch of aluminium bits on the LS550 platform with high strength steel. Similar changes in other aspects including the materials used for interior trims, lighting and powertrains will bring down to cost to very affordable levels.

How affordable? Think Hyundai Creta!

Yes, Tata’s said to be targeting a price tag close to that of the Hyundai Creta for the 5 seat H5 model. At a starting price of about Rs. 10 lakhs, or even slightly lower, the H5 could be the next big thing for the automaker given how much India loves compact SUVs. The H5 will be aimed at selling big numbers, make no bones about it.

Oh, and there’s a 7 seat version as well

The LS550 platform’s 2741 mm wheelbase means one thing – flexibility and a lot of it. This large wheelbase will allow Tata Motors to play with different body lengths, and that explains why the H5 will also have a 7 seat variant, allowing Tata to go a step above the Creta as and when required. However, it’ll be the 5 seat model that’ll make its debut first, followed by the 7 seat model a year later.

There’s Fiat/Jeep under the hood

Fiat’s 2.0 liter Multijet turbo diesel engine – manufactured with heavy localization right here in India at Fiat’s Ranjangaon factory – will power the H5. However, this engine – first seen on the Jeep Compass – is expected to be detuned to 140 Bhp-320 Nm, from 170 Bhp-350 Nm. This is to make the H5 fit in the Creta category, and also keep enough in reserve for the larger, 7 seat version coming in later.

And some Hexa influence as well…

 

Arguably the best built Tata till date, the Hexa is now highly regarded for its fit and finish. The H5 will aim to go a step further while also using many bits from the Hexa such as 19 inch wheels and MRF wanderer tyres – two factors that’ll give it a formidable stance.

Typically Tata on the inside

Which also means space, and acres of it. While The H5 is expected to feature top-notch interior quality with plenty of features thrown in, it’s likely to retain Tata’s USP – space. Tata cars are always class leader when it comes to passenger and luggage space, and the H5 is expected to be no different, especially considering the flexibility of the 2,740 mm wheelbase.

And four wheel drive?

Yes sir! Unlike the current crop of compact SUVs sold in India – most of which dispense with the 4WD feature in the interest of lower costs – there will be a 4X4 option on the H5. However, the 4X4 option is likely to be Borg Warner unit – much cheaper than Land Rover’s more advanced Terrain Response system.

And automatic?

Yes, again! And not just any automatic but a 9 speed unit that ZF will soon manufacture locally in India. The same transmission is used on Land Rovers, and will soon be offered on the Jeep Compass Diesel sold in India. This transmission is expected to make the H5 very desirable as more gear ratios mean the ability to stay in the meat of the mid range – a key strength of the 2.0 liter Fiat Multijet diesel.