Tata HBX is one of the most hyped cars that was showcased at the Auto Expo 2020. One reason for this was that Tata shared that the HBX Concept was 80 percent close to the production-spec of HBX. This means a big deal because it was the design of the HBX that attracted so much attention at the Auto Expo. Earlier, the front fascia of the production-spec HBX was spied about which you can read by clicking here. However, this time the interiors of the HBX has been spied for the very first time.
We can see from the spy shots that the interior of the production-spec HBX resembles a lot to the HBX Concept. We can see a flat-bottom steering wheel, pillar mounted tweeters just like we have seen on Tata Tiago and square AC vents. We can also see the floating touchscreen infotainment system that will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system will be connected to speakers and tweeters that will be sourced from Harman. We can also see the variant here that is spied is a 5-speed manual variant.
From the Concept’s interior pictures we know that the HBX will get a semi-digital instrument cluster borrowed from Nexon EV and the Altroz, body-coloured accents in the cabin, automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel that will also be leather-wrapped, push button to start/stop, USB port and a 12V charging socket.
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Speaking about the exteriors, the HBX derives some design elements from the Tata Harrier. So, it comes with split headlamps which means that a slim LED Daytime Running Lamp is placed above and the halogen headlamp sits in the lower half. The LED Daytime Running Lamps will be adjoined by a black single slat grille with Tata logo. The HBX will use plastic cladding for a more SUV look and new dual-tone alloy wheels.
It will get features like rear wiper and washer, integrated spoiler, shark-fin antenna, circular tail lamps and a high-mounted stop lamp. Tata has also decided to place the door handle for the rear door between the rear window and the C-pillar. This helps in impersonating a three-door look. We have already seen this kind of design on the Tata Altroz and the Maruti Suzuki Swift. The front bonnet and bumper will have a flatter and up-right look which is inspired by the latest facelift of the Nexon.
Tata production-spec HBX will be powered by the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine borrowed from Tiago and the Tigor. The engine will deliver a max power output of 86 PS and peak torque output of 113 Nm. It will be mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. There will be a “Creep” function and Sports mode for the automatic gearbox variants.
There are rumours that the HBX production version will be called the Hornbill. Tata HBX will be priced around Rs. 4 lakhs ex-showroom for the base variant. It is expected to launch sometime in 2021. Tata Hornbill will be competing against the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and the upcoming Hyundai AX1.
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