A heavily camouflaged Tata HBX micro SUV was spotted exclusively by carandbikes during road tests at Panchgani. The SUV is expected to launch later this year.
See the pictures
The Tata HBX micro SUV sports a big boy stance with a muscular design and beefy upholstery
Tata Motors is currently preparing its brand new micro SUV, which is codenamed HBX. The small SUV was presented last year at the Auto Expo. The Indian automaker has been testing the SUV for some time now. This time around, TBEN managed to capture the SUV on camera during a test drive in Panchgani, Maharashtra. As in the exclusive images, the test mule can be seen heavily draped in camouflage with a pseudo coating. The prototype is fitted with production-ready two-tone alloy rims, which we have already seen in previous spy photos.
Also Read: Exclusive: Tata Tiago, Tigor CNG Variants Spotted Testing
The new HBX will come with split headlights, with the main unit positioned below the independently placed turn signals / daytime running lights.
Taking a closer look at the test mule, we can tell that the HBX is approaching production. The small Tata SUV could be launched in the country this year. In addition, the company has already registered the name “Timero” in India, which could be the official name of the production HBX. The upcoming Tata SUV will use the Impact Design 2.0 philosophy and be based on the same ALFA platform that also underpins the premium Altroz sedan. Once launched, it will compete with models like the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and the Renault Kwid.
The design of the SUV will be in line with the newly launched Safari and its younger brother, Harrier. The SUV is expected to receive the same split-style headlight with LED daytime running lights and the brand’s new iconic three-arrow mesh grille. It is expected to receive electrically adjustable ORVMs with integrated side indicators, circular fog lights, alloy rims, roof rails, integrated roof spoiler, sloped rear windshield, etc. The local automaker has already confirmed that the production version of the HBX will retain around 90% of its styling cues from the concept.
Tata HBX test mule seen with two-tone alloy rims ready for production
We do not see the cabin of the HBX in these photos. Based on previous spy shots, the SUV will likely sport an all-black interior with contoured seats featuring contrasting stitching. It is likely to feature flat-bottom steering with mounted controls, large instrument panel, start / stop button, etc.
Also read: 2021 Tata Safari SUV: Everything You Need to Know
90% of the production version of the HBX will consist of concept car elements
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Mechanically, the small HBX SUV is likely to be powered by a 1.2-liter Revotron gasoline engine. This is the same engine that also powers the Altroz sedan. The shredder is capable of producing 85 hp and 113 Nm of maximum torque. Maybe we could see a standard 5-speed manual gearbox and an optional 5-speed AMT unit.
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