Upcoming Tata Hornbill HBX micro SUV: 3 recent spyshots

Tata will soon launch the all-new Safari in the Indian market. However, the most-awaited car from Tata Motors remains the production version of the HBX that the brand will launch by the end of this year. As the launch date of the HBX is nearing, Tata Motors continues the test the HBX in different parts of India. In fact, with the latest spy shots, you can even make what the car will look like when launched. Here are three latest spy shots that show the test mules of the HBX.

The all-new HBX will be an entry-level SUV that will be called as a micro SUV. Direct competitors include the Renault Kwid Climber, Mahindra KUV100 and even the Maruti Suzuki Ignis.

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To get AMT

Latest picture by ACI reveals that the all-new HBX will get an AMT automatic transmission. It will allow the carmaker to price the upcoming car competitively against the rivals. Tata has always played the value-for-money game well and the HBX will be no different.

The HBX will get the same engine and transmission options as the Tiago. The image of the cabin reveals that Tata Motors will use inspiration from all the current hatchbacks like the Tiago and Altroz to design the cabin. The front seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, switchgear, instrument cluster, climate control system all look similar to the other two hatchbacks that Tata offers. Also, it gets a floating-type 7.0-inch instrument cluster.

Exterior design

Another spy picture by Rahul shows torn camouflage cover of the HBX, revealing the details of the front. Pratap Bose, the chief designer of Tata Motors said that the production version of the HBX will be very similar to the concept model showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. In fact, he also said that the similarities will be more than 95% between the concept and the production version. The torn camouflage reveals that the production of the HBX will continue to get the split lamps set-up.

The main headlamps cluster is located down below while the extended part of the grille forms the DRLs and indicators. To add a masculine look, the bumper will be all black that will also look quite contrasting with the body colour. The grille will be updated with the latest Humanity Line design too. To keep the price of the car in check, Tata will offer Duralloy version of the wheels that are not exactly alloy wheels but look like it. However, the top-end versions will definitely get the alloy wheels.

HBX engine and transmission

Tata will only offer the HBX with a petrol engine. Like the Tiago, it will get the 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces a maximum power of 86 PS. Tata will offer both manual and AMT automatic with this engine. While there is no news on the diesel engine, Tata is likely to add the more powerful 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol to the production version of the HBX at a later date. Only a single-engine option will be available at the time of the launch.

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