Guwahati: Tata Motors is working on multiple new models for the Indian market. The HBX concept based small UV will be the next big launch from the company. The small SUV was scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2021; however, the launch has been pushed by a quarter due to COVID-19 pandemic. The Tata HBX small utility vehicle will be launched before Diwali 2021, around September-October.
Rumoured to be called the Tata Timero, the new compact UV will rival the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the upcoming Hyundai AX1. It will be the brand’s second model to be based on the ALFA modular platform; the Altroz being the first model.
The Tata Timero is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Tiago, Tigor and the Altroz. This engine churns out 86bhp of power and 113Nm of torque. The small UV could also get the 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine with power output close to 100bhp. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
The production version of the Tata HBX has already been caught numerous times on the Indian roads. It gets split headlamp setup with sleek LED DRLs on top and main headlamp unit lower on the bumper. The sleek LED DRLs are well integrated into the upper grille. There is a chrome underlining for the upper front grille and DRLs, while the lower grille has inverted tri-arrow design on the mesh. The bumper accommodates fog lamps and wider air-intakes. The small SUV will get machined-cut alloys, LED tail-lamps, C-pillar mounted rear door handles, blacked-out C-pillar, etc.
The concept model was 3,840mm in length, 1822mm in width and 1635mm in height with a wheelbase of 2450mm. It is expected that the production version HBX will measure similar to the concept. The cabin will be shared with the Altroz hatchback. It will get a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a 3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, fabric seats, semi-digital instrument console, etc.
TATA HBX EV
Tata Motors is also preparing an electric version of the HBX micro SUV, which is expected to be launched in 2022-23. It will get the brand’s new Ziptron EV powertrain technology, which includes a 0.2kWh lithium-ion battery and a 129bhp, electric motor mounted at the front axle.
