Mahindra KUV100-Challenger Tata Hornbill Micro SUV Can Look Like This

Tata has become aggressive with the product planning and after the launch of the SUVs like Nexon, Hexa and the upcoming Harrier, Tata will launch an all-new micro SUV in the market. It is currently on the development stage and it is internally known as the Hornbill X445. Here is an exclusive render of the car that will be first showcased as a concept model at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show that is scheduled to take place in March. The rendering image has been made by CarToq’s artist Vipin Vathoopan.

The Hornbill will be positioned below the Tata Nexon in the line-up. It will take on the likes of Mahindra KUV 100 and the production versions of the concept Maruti Suzuki Future S. The SUVs are becoming extremely popular in the market and manufacturers are entering new segments to capture the customers.

The Hornbill would get the same Advanced Modular Platform (AMP) underpinnings similar to the upcoming Tata 45X premium hatchback. However, it will be heavily modified to fit the micro SUV and many dimensions like track measurement and wheelbase measurement will be extremely different from the 45X. The design of the Hornbill will be heavily inspired by the IMPACT 2.0 design language. It is the same design language seen in the Harrier and Tata is expected to keep the aggressive design alive with the Hornbill too.

Just like the Harrier, the Hornbill is expected to get a separate headlamp and Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) positioning. There is a mesh grille at front that extends to become to the bright LED DRLs. Lower in the bumper, the main headlamp unit is placed. The unconventional look gives a new identity to the Hornbill. The Hornbill is also expected to get strong lines on the body with flared wheel arches that will add a muscular look to the vehicle. The rendering image of the vehicle has been designed to attract the new-age buyers and also gets a dual-tone body colour with contrasting roof and pillars.

It will be the second sub-4meter compact SUV from the brand after the Nexon. The Nexon takes on the likes of the Ford EcoSport and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza while the Hornbill will be placed as an entry-level SUV and will target the young buyers in the market. The Hornbill is expected to be powered by both petrol and diesel engine options. The engine options are likely to remain same as the Tata Tiago. The Hornbill is expected to get powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine and a 1.05-litre diesel engine, same as the Tata Tiago. Both the engine options will get the 5-speed manual transmission as standard but Tata may also offer an AMT automatic transmission with the petrol engine option.

After revealing the concept version in March, Tata is expected to launch the production version of the Hornbill at the 2020 Auto Expo scheduled to happen in February 2020. It will be priced very competitively and will also get a host of features including touchscreen infotainment and even segment-leading sound system.