Tata Hornbill HBX: 10 things you DON’T know about the micro SUV

Tata revealed the all-new HBX concept at the 2020 Auto Expo recently and it attracted a lot of visitors. The upcoming sub-4m SUV will be launched in the Indian market soon and we have a few details about the car that you would love to know. Here are ten things that you do not know about the upcoming Tata HBX.

97% production version

Tata showcased the HBX as a concept at the 2020 Auto Expo. However, the design head of Tata Motors, Pratap Bose claims that the car showcased at the Expo is 97% similar to the production version. Tata has always been known for launching production versions of the car that are strikingly similar to the concept models and the HBX will not be any different.

Shares platform with Altroz

Tata launched the all-new Altroz in the Indian market earlier this year, which became the first car in the market to get the ALFA-ARC platform. The modular platform will also underpin the upcoming HBX and it will become the second car to be built on the same platform.

Petrol-only model

The HBX will be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine that powers the Altroz, Tiago and the Tigor in the Indian market. Tata will not offer the small 1.05-litre diesel engine after the BS6 emission norms come into effect from 1st April 2020. The production version of the HBX will only get powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine.

Launch soon

While Tata did not announce the exact launch date of the upcoming HBX, they did mention multiple times that the car will be launched in this calendar year. The production version of the Tata HBX will be launched in the coming eleven months. Tata will launch the Gravitas before the festive season in India so the HBX is likely to be launched during the festive time.

The electric version will be launched

Tata recently launched the Nexon EV and is working to launch the Altroz EV, which was also showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. With the electric cars set to become gain popularity in the coming years, Tata is also working on an electrified version of the Tata HBX. It will be launched likely by the end of 2021 or early 2022 depending on the demand of the electric cars in India.

Price point

The all-new Tata HBX will be the smallest SUV from the brand and will be positioned below the Tata Nexon in the market. Tata has always been known for putting Value-for-money price on their products and the Tata HBX will not be any different. It is likely to get a sub Rs 5 lakh price tag in the market.

Will take on established products

The all-new HBX will take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Mahindra KUV100 and even the Renault Kwid in the Indian market. The small entry-level compact SUV will directly compete with the SUV-inspired hatchbacks in the segment. It should be noted that Tata also offers the Tiago NRG to take on these vehicles but the HBX will be a focussed product.

Bigger than the rivals

The Tata HBX offers a length of 3,860mm, a width of 1,900mm and height of 1,880mm making it bigger than the Ignis and the Mahindra KUV100. The Tata HBX will be launched in similar dimensions, which makes it 11mm wider and 28mm taller than the Nexon. The HBX will attract a lot of eyes on the roads for sure.

Inspired by Rhinoceros

The Tata HBX design gets a lot of design inspired by the Rhinoceros. There are even a few Rhinoceros images embedded on the car all around. There is one of the C-Pillar too. Pratap Bose says that all these details will be available with the production version of the car too.

Will get a host of accessories

Tata will launch a range of accessories with the HBX to make it look even more rugged. The accessories of the HBX concept model including the good looking alloy wheels, hood scoops, roof carrier and more will be available as accessories with the production version of the car.