It’s no secret that Tata’s performing on a micro SUV to rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and Mahindra KUV100 NXT. Codenamed the HBX, it had been presented in its pre-production avatar at Auto Expo 2020 and has since been spied multiple times because it nears production. We’ve now got our hands on a couple of spy shots of what seems to be a high-spec variant of the HBX.
The HBX draped in camouflage is seen with a replacement set of four-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels (likely 16-inch units) compared to the previous sightings. These wheels seem to fill the arches quite well albeit they’re nothing just like the off-road wheels used for the pre-production show car. The test mule has the SUV-like boxy stance, same because the concept, with a rear wiper, roof rails, and what looks like a gap for the rear parking camera. it’s expected to feature LED units at the front and rear in its top trim.
While the inside of the production-spec model remains a mystery, it could bear resemblance to the concept form. So it’s likely to feature a floating touchscreen infotainment display and semi-digital instrument cluster. Tata is predicted to supply the production-spec HBX with features like control , keyless entry, push start/stop, and auto AC. Safety might be taken care of by dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, and ABS with EBD.
Tata could offer the HBX as a petrol-only model with Altroz’ 1.2-litre petrol engine (86PS/113Nm). Transmission duties would likely be taken care of by either a 5-speed MT or a 5-speed AMT. Further down the road , an electrified version of the HBX could also make its thanks to showrooms after the launch of the petrol-powered model.
The HBX are going to be positioned below the Nexon in Tata’s current lineup and will be priced from Rs 5 lakh onwards. it might also rival the upcoming Hyundai micro SUV which was recently spied in Korea.