Tata Motors has unveiled the HBX Concept at the first media day of the Auto Expo 2020. Though the model has been tagged as a Concept, the showcased version is very close to its production-ready spec. Tata hasn’t revealed any launch timelines for the HBX SUV in India. However, once launched, the HBX will be positioned under the Nexon in the company’s Indian portfolio.
The Tata HBX SUV is based on the ALFA platform. It is just the second model to use this platform, after the Altroz hatchback. On the design front, the HBX has some elements that are inline with new Tata cars. This includes a split headlamp setup, wherein the main headlamp is located on the lower area of the bumper, while indictors and/or LED DRLs are located right below the bonnet line. Also seen is the characteristic ‘Humanity Line’ element. The side profile includes a sharp belt-line running through the door handle and squared wheel arches. Meanwhile, the rear end gets fake silver skid plates, small taillights, and a steeply raied windshield.
Despite being termed as an SUV, the HBX is a fairly compact car. It measures 3,840 mm in length, 1,822 in width, and 1,635 mm in height. The wheelbase spans 2,450 mm. This makes it similar in size to the Maruti Swift, especially in the length amd wheelbase. However, thanks to it being wider and taller, the HBX manages to justify the SUV tag.
The production-spec Tata HBX SUV in India will likely come with a petrol engine only. This is expected to be a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder block seen in the Tiago and Tigor. Transmission options on offer will include a 5-speed manual and an AMT automatic. Since the company is stressing big on electric cars, we also expect to see a Tata HBX electric India launch in the next 2 years.