The Tata HBX (H2X) was unveiled a few months back at the 2020 Auto Expo and now Tata has confirmed that the micro SUV might just be around the corner. We can easily expect the HBX mini SUV to make its debut in 2021. In fact, as per Pratap Bose, Vice President, Global Design at Tata Motors the HBX SUV is 95% production-ready. It was earlier supposed to launch in April/May 2020 but, got delayed due to the COVID19 pandemic that has spread across the nation. We explore 5 things about the Tata HBX that makes it super unique:
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It’s based on the ALFA platform
The HBX Mini SUV is based on the same ALFA platform as the Tata Altroz. That translates to more cabin space, more headroom, more legroom and overall more comfort. And very similar to the Altroz, the HBX will have doors which will open to up to 90 degrees.
Design-wise, the HBX carries Tata’s IMPACT 2.0 design philosophy featuring split headlamps, a flat-ish bonnet, skid plates ad bumper-mounted indicators.
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Will rival the Mahindra KUV100
Yes, the Tata HBX will rival the KUV100 and the Maruti Ignis in the Indian market. We can also consider the S-Presso in this list however, the HBX is a higher-priced car than the S-Presso
HBX Micro-SUV Rear All these cars have a similar shape and intent; These are miniaturised SUV meant to tackle the urban jungle rather than the real one.
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Smallest car Tata has built
The HBX is the company’s smallest car built on the ALFA platform. Even smaller than the Altroz. This is evident by those small 15-inch wheels and overall compact dimensions. But kudos to Tata on the design part, as the car looks apart with its SUV-ish looks thanks to the flat bonnet, faux skid plates, roof and a taller stance.
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No Diesel, only petrol variant
The Tata HBx will be powered by the same 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine that does duty on the Altroz, Tigor and the Tiago. The car will also come with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. This 1.2-litre motor produces 85bhp and 110nm of peak torque. Tata has not commented on the inclusion of a diesel engine and has recently discontinued the 1.05-litre turbo-diesel unit.
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Might get an EV treatment in the future
As the Tata HBX is based on the same ALFA platform as the Altroz, there are chances that Tata might introduce the SUV as an EV. Tata has used its Ziptron EV technology to develop the Nexon EV and the Altroz EV. A Tata HBX EV might just happen.
The Tata HBX will most likely be launched in the first quarter of 2021. We can expect a tentative price range of Rs.4.5 to Rs. 7 lakhs (Ex-Showroom).
